Chapter 371

“I’m here.”

Upon hearing Jessica’s voice, Yusra turned toward them. She rushed toward Jessica and pulled her into a hug.

“Baby, stop running. Stop running…”

As Sebastian looked at his mother, a sad look flashed across his face.

Jessica patted her lightly, comforting her. “Okay, okay. I’ll behave and stop running.”

Her gentle tone seemed to calm her down.

“Let’s go back to sleep, okay?” Jessica asked softly as if she was coaxing a child.

Yusra smiled at her, her fingers brushing across Jessica’s face. “Okay, I’ll listen to you.”

Sebastian watched as mother and daughter left, his expression soft.

Jessica coaxed her back to sleep, but she was still not feeling sleepy.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated.

Charles: Are you asleep?

Jessica: No.

Charles: I know about your situation. If you’re unhappy, you can tell me. I’ll bring you home.

Jessica looked at his message and didn’t reply for a long while.

Finally, she responded.

Jessica: Okay.

At that moment, a slender figure was standing in the courtyard of the Ferguson residence. He was looking in the direction of the second floor. His phone lit up with a message, and he looked down at the text.

It would not be that easy for the Ferguson family to claim Jess back.

Charles pocketed his phone and headed slowly toward the neighbor’s, the Young family’s, house.

Early the next morning, Jessica walked into the living room, holding Yusra’s hand. Aaron, Hugh, Sebastian, and Jack stood up upon seeing the two of them enter.

Aaron quickly pulled the chair beside him out for his wife.

The Ferguson brothers pulled the chairs next to them out at the same time for Jessica.

Yusra and Jessica looked at the four chairs, exchanged a look, and walked to the other side of the table. They sat down, facing the rest. The four chairs that had been pulled out were left untouched.

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The Ferguson men looked at the seats beside them before quietly pushing them back in.

Seeing his brothers sitting back down, Jack wanted to run to Jessica’s side. However, his collar was pulled back by Sebastian.

Jack angrily said, “Let go!”

He hit Sebastian’s hand, trying to free himself from his grasp.

Sebastian was unmoved. “Sit down.”

Looking at his son behaving in that way, Aaron reprimanded, “That’s enough! Sit down.”

Upon hearing his father, Jack unwillingly went back to his seat.

The other three did not sit together on purpose, as they all wanted to leave a seat for Jessica.

Jack was disappointed, as he had thought that he would win.

He was sad that Jessica no longer seemed to be close to him.

Jasmine was filled with gratitude, seeing the family gathered around the table.

It had been too long since she had seen such a sight.

Ever since Jessica had gone missing, the household was filled with a lot less laughter. It had even become a luxury for the family to quietly have breakfast together.

“Jasmine, serve the food.”

Jasmine quickly came over with a few housekeepers to place breakfast on the table. All the dishes were catered to Jessica’s taste.

Jessica looked at the thoughtful breakfast and could not help but think about the first meal she had when she entered the Larson residence.

The entire table was filled with dishes that Whitney loved.

The table in front of her now, however, was filled with all her favorite food.

Was this the difference between family?

No one was touching their food. They were all waiting for Jessica.

Even Jasmine was looking nervously at Jessica, afraid that she would not like the food.

Yusra carefully asked, “Lilian, do you not like it? What do you like to eat? Tell me, and I’ll make it for you.”

The rest of the family had the same concerned expression on their faces.

Jessica could really feel their consideration toward her. “No, I love it.”

Jessica took a piece of meat and placed it on Yusra’s plate. Yusra looked at the meat on her plate, her eyes brimming with tears.

She bit into it, chewing slowly.

Jack looked at the meat that his mother was chewing and silently ate his food. It seemed tasteless.

His jealousy seemed to affect the people around him. Everyone was silently looking at the meat on Yusra’s plate. Jessica looked at Aaron, Hugh, Sebastian, and Jack. She sighed and stood up, taking a piece of each dish and serving it onto their plates.

Their mood seemed to improve then. The frowns were gone from their faces.

“Thank you, Jess.”

“Thanks, little sister.”

“Jess, you’re the best.” Jack was delighted.

If he had a tail on his back, it would have been wagging furiously.

However, Yusra was not happy. She glared at the rest of them and said, “You guys can serve yourselves. Stop tiring Lilian.”

“Yes, yes, yes.”

The four of them nodded sheepishly and dared not refute.

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Yusra did not know what Jessica liked to eat. She put a fried egg on Jessica’s plate. “You should eat more.” Jasmine couldn’t contain her smile when she saw the warm ambiance between the Fergusons.

The new maid said to Jasmine in a low voice, “Mrs. Ferguson looks normal now.”

Judging by her current behavior, one could hardly notice that Yusra was suffering from mental illness.

Jasmine fixed her gaze on Yusra and replied, “It would be great if Ms. Fuller could always stay like this.”

Yusra’s illness was intermittent. It fluctuated from time to time.

She was normal when she had self-consciousness. However, she couldn’t recognize anyone when her illness outbreak occurred. She would be desperately in search of her daughter, bite others and engage in dangerous behavior. Yusra’s illness worsened when Jessica went missing. In recent years, her condition has improved under Sebastian’s care. Although her condition was under control, she still needed a long time to recover.

The family had an enjoyable breakfast.

All of a sudden, a loud thud at the entrance of the dining room caught everyone’s attention. A girl with long hair was standing there when they turned in the direction of the sound. The handbag she dropped was lying beside her foot. With a terrified expression on her face, Yuliana apologized nervously to everyone, “I’m sorry for disturbing your meal.” Jack couldn’t contain his disgust when he saw her.

Upon seeing Yuliana’s terrified face, Aaron invited her to join their meal, “Have you had your breakfast? Let’s eat together.”

A bright smile appeared on Yuliana’s face. “All right, Dad.” Yuliana sat beside Aaron and greeted Yusra with a grin,”

Good morning, Mom.”

Then, she fixed her gaze on Jessica, as if she had just noticed her in the room. She turned her head and looked at Hugh. “Hugh, who is that lady?”

Before Hugh could say anything, Jack replied, “She is my biological sister, Jessica.”

Yuliana’s expression hardened as traces of sorrow started appearing on her face. Yet, she glanced at Jessica gently and exclaimed, “That’s great. Mom’s illness will get better since Jessica has returned. I’m so happy.”

“Ugh,” Jack sneered with disdain.

Feeling hurt by Jack’s reaction, Yuliana lowered her head instantly.

Aaron saw that Yuliana was scared of Jack. Then, he glanced at his arrogant son and bellowed, “Jack!”

Jack gave a smirk and remained silent after that.

Jessica sat quietly without missing everyone’s expression. Suddenly, a warm hand held Jessica’s hand.

Jessica stared at Yusra with astonishment. When her gaze met Yusra’s gentle and caring eyes, she could feel a gush of warmth in her heart. She could sense that those eyes were trying to give her strength and courage. I am here. Don’t be scared.

At that very moment, a maid entered the dining room and said to Aaron, “Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Young is here.”

Jack and Hugh frowned at the same time when they heard the news.

Sebastian was relatively calm. He was curious why Charles had come so early.

Having no second thoughts, Aaron grinned and said, “Let him in.”

Yuliana headed to the living room as she was eager to see Charles. Her eyes sparkled with admiration when she saw Charles’ tall and handsome figure. She called out to him using her sweetest voice, “Charles.”

Chapters 374

Charles turned around and let out a smile. He headed in her

direction without any hesitation.

Yuliana could feel her racing heartbeat when she saw

Charles walked toward her.

She blushed as they got nearer. Just as she was preparing to speak up, Charles walked past her right away.

“Jess,” Charles said in a soothing voice.

The redness on Yuliana’s cheek was replaced by

embarrassment when she saw Charles heading for Jessica. Jessica looked at him and blinked as if she was asking him why he was there.

Jack was furious when he saw Charles’ indecent look.” Charles, what are you doing here? We don’t welcome you.”

“Mind your manners, Jack,” Aaron snapped. “Do you know Jess, Charles?”

“Yes, Uncle Aaron.”

Why does he address me as Uncle Aaron? Aaron was still wondering about the question when he heard Charles’ reply.

“Jess is my girlfriend, so I have to address you as Uncle Aaron.”

“What did you just say?” Jack burst into anger instantly and stared at Charles with his eyes wide open.

Hugh narrowed his eyes and stared daggers at Charles, and so did Sebastian.

Aaron’s jaw dropped when he heard what Charles said.

Yuliana’s face went pale as she couldn’t believe what she heard.

Jessica was shocked as well.

What is Charles up to?

Yusra held Jessica’s hand tightly as she was afraid of losing Jessica.

Charles stepped forward and stood beside Jessica. He held her hands and disregarded how the Ferguson family was about to lose their minds.

He said calmly, “I didn’t expect Jess to be Uncle Aaron’s daughter. I remember I used to hug and kiss her when I was young. I guess this is fate.”

“Were you so barbaric since you were young?” Jack said through clenched teeth.

He hated Charles even more.

He’s been an annoying guy since he was young. I really feel like biting him!

Charles ignored Jack’s childish comments. “Jess will be going back with me today. I will send her back to Dellmoor after the summer holidays,” he told Aaron directly.

Charles chose to say “Dellmoor” instead of the Ferguson residence. His intentions were obvious.

He would do it for Jessica if she didn’t know how to put it. “Aunt Yusra, can I have a word with you privately?” Charles seized the opportunity to talk to Yusra when she was still conscious.

The two went away for a while and came back together not long after.

The corners of Yusra’s eyes were red as she looked at Jessica with guilt.

Yusra took Jessica’s hand and put them in Charles”. “Look after her for me.”

No one knew what Charles said to make Yusra let go of Jessica willingly.

Aaron didn’t force Jessica to stay, since Yusra had chosen to let go of Jessica. He was already used to supporting Yusra.

On the other hand, the Ferguson brothers did not intend to let Charles go when they saw him take Jessica away.

Charles looked at them calmly and landed his gaze on Hugh. “It’s better to let her go before you understand her.”

Hugh wasn’t dumb. He understood instantly and gave way.

Jack wanted to stop Charles from leaving but was held back by Sebastian.

The Ferguson brothers could only let Charles take Jessica away from the Ferguson residence.

Although Hugh was unhappy about how Charles declared his supremacy, he had to admit that Charles understood Jessica more than them.

He was here to help Jessica with her difficulties. In other words, he was Jessica’s knight.

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Charles and Jessica got into a car in the courtyard and left the heavily guarded residential area.

Jessica turned her head and glanced at Charles. She whispered, “Thank you, Charles.”

She expressed her gratitude to Charles willingly.

Jessica was not dumb.

Charles had helped her by being the bad guy and saved her from a difficult situation. Thanks to him, she was able to leave the Ferguson residence without any burden.

Jessica was unable to read through Charles. He was even more mysterious than she thought.

He had deep and dark eyes. However, it was more like a mirror that was able to see through someone.

She had never mentioned her difficulties to Charles before. Yet, he knew she was in trouble and showed up at the right time she needed him.

No ordinary person was capable of doing this.

She appreciated his consideration and attentiveness. That was why she was willing to show him her gratitude.

Charles raised the corner of his eyes and glimpsed at Jessica. “You are welcome. Are you preparing to stay in Dellmoor for a few days or return to Horington City at once?”

“Let’s go back to Horington City. After all, I will have a long stay in Dellmoor for a month. I will have plenty of chances to travel around the city by then.”

Jessica gazed at this unfamiliar city. It was the city of dreams for many people.

“All right.”

Charles phoned Ash, his assistant. “We will go back together.”

After two hours, Jessica and Charles flew back to Horington City on a private plane.

Meanwhile, a group of young boys and girls were having fun in an entertainment club.

“Today is Yves’ farewell banquet. Let’s wish the best for Yves. Cheers.”

Surrounded by his old classmates, Yves accepted their wishes with a grin.

“I’ll have a toast first. Feel free to join me.”

Yves gulped all the liquor in his glass.

Whitney sat alone in the corner. Jealousy gradually took over her when she saw Samantha sitting beside Yves.

The seat beside Yves was supposed to be hers.

However, she was no longer qualified for the seat, ever since the downfall of the Larson family.

Whitney sat in the corner alone bitterly.

“Whitney, here’s a toast to you.” Winston approached Whitney with a grin on his face.

Whitney glanced at him and clinked his glass, smiling.

“I heard you are preparing to go overseas. Where will you be going?” Winston asked.

Before Whitney could answer, Josephine said mockingly,” She doesn’t have the money to travel overseas.”

Whitney almost lost her cool. “Where did you get those rumors from, Josephine? I’m enrolled in a film academy and I will be registering myself next month.”

“Are you preparing to join the entertainment industry? Don’t forget us after you become a superstar.” Winston laughed.

Everyone began to join them after hearing what Winston said.

“Let’s give our future superstar a toast.”

“Don’t forget us, future superstar.”

“Of course, I won’t.” Whitney reacted with a smile.

The scene they created caught Yves’ attention. He fixed his gaze on Whitney.

Yves had complicated feelings for Whitney.

After all, he used to adore her.

Samantha noticed Yves’ gaze and caught him looking at Whitney. She narrowed her eyes gradually.

Back in St. Daniel, Whitney had been competing with me for the campus belle title. She acted like a goddess despite her ordinary looks.

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The Synder family would be joining forces with the Harrod family through their marriage. Samantha was satisfied with Yves, but she didn’t like it when her fiancé cared for

Whitney, especially when Whitney used to have a relationship with Yves.

Samantha stood up and said to Yves, “Yves, let’s give everyone a toast.”

“All right.” Yves gave Samantha a gentle smile.

Samantha held Yves’ arm right away and headed toward Whitney.

Then, Samantha announced proudly, “Yves and I are here to give you, the future superstar, a toast.” She was trying to declare her supremacy by clinging to Yves.

Whitney clenched her fist and tried hard to maintain her smile. She picked up her glass because she didn’t want to become a laughingstock. “Thank you. I wish you and Yves a happy marriage.”

Everyone glanced in their direction now and then after spotting them together.

Everyone from St. Daniel was aware of the relationship between the three of them.

Previously, Whitney was the one engaged to Yves. After the downfall of the Larson family, the Harrod family chose to call off their engagement.

The Larson family had no choice but to swallow their anger, as they could not go against the Harrods.

Meanwhile, the Harrod family chose to join connections with the Synder family. As both Samantha and Yves were good-looking, they made a well-suited couple.

Samantha replied with a smile, “Thank you for your wishes, Whitney. Yves and I will stay together happily forever.”

She then stood on her tipped toe and kissed Yves on his cheek.

Everyone burst into excitement and cheered for them at once.

“Yves, shouldn’t you kiss her back?”

“That’s right. Kiss her, Yves.”

“Kiss her.”

Everyone screamed their lungs out as they urged Yves to kiss Samantha.

They cheered as if Whitney wasn’t there. They ignored the fact that Whitney used to be Yves’ fiancée.

Whitney felt disgusted when she saw their faces.

However, she couldn’t show her disgust. She had to smile when Yves and Samantha showed affection in public. There was nothing she could do when Samantha provoked her.

With everyone cheering, Yves had no choice but to kiss Samantha on her lips. Samantha pulled him closer and deepened the kiss.

“Woah!”

The room was a seething cauldron of emotions.

Whitney clenched her fist tightly without noticing the pain of her nails piercing through her flesh.

Josephine noticed that Whitney was unhappy. “Do you know which family Jessica belongs to, Whitney?” she asked.

Whitney replied in an unfriendly manner, “She’s probably some illegitimate child.”

“Illegitimate child?” Josephine smirked. “You are doomed if Samantha or the Ferguson family heard you.”

Whitney was even furious after hearing what Josephine said. “She’s just someone who likes to butter up the Ferguson family.”

Josephine could no longer contain her laughter. She mocked, “You are so dumb, Whitney. That’s why your family didn’t know how they lost. Let me tell you a secret.”

Whitney frowned.

Josephine turned around and whispered in her ears,’

Jessica is the biological daughter of the Ferguson family, one of the eight prestigious families in Dellmoor.”

Whitney stared at Josephine with her eyes wide open.” How is that possible!”

Josephine spread her hands. “This is the truth. She is now someone with a high status. I know Jessica’s true identity because I overheard the conversation between Samantha and Daisy. Isn’t it shocking to know? The news is still unknown to many people.”

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Whitney stared at Josephine. She couldn’t accept the news. A bastard like Jessica is the daughter of the Ferguson family? How is that possible…

“Why did you tell me?”

Why did I tell you? Because someone wants you to know.

She thought Jessica had called her to find fault with her. Yet little did she expect Jessica to make that offer.

Jessica had told her that if she revealed the secret to Whitney by chance, she’d wipe the slate clean.

Do or not, this is a no-brainer.

Josephine did not know why Jessica was doing this.

She shrugged. “Jessica and I have a grudge. I was pissed off when I found out her identity. I’ve been holding back for a long time; I need to share this with someone. Oh, I almost forgot; you’re on the outs with her.”

Whitney gnashed her teeth.

She must have done this on purpose. When I was still the Larson family’s daughter, she had begged like a dog, wagging its tail pitifully around me. Now she’s doing it on purpose to disgust me. Does she want to see me shit my pants? Well, fuck her!

“Don’t worry about it. We’re close.”

Just when she said it, someone cried, “Oh my God!”

Yves felt dizzy after that kiss, and he heard someone

exclaim. “Yves, you’re bleeding!”

Yves touched his nose. He saw the bloodstain on his hands and passed out.

It was a chaotic scene.

Whitney shivered when she saw that.

It can’t be the drug…

Just when the thought popped out, she quickly rejected it without hesitation.

No, it can’t be! I only add a little to it. It can’t be this bad. He must be suffering from other diseases. This has nothing to do with me.

Whitney tried to convince herself.

Yves was sent to the hospital. Whitney didn’t follow him but went back to the Quail residence.

Rachel was sneering when she got home. “Someone’s really lucky. She does nothing but get everything. How lucky.”

In the past, Whitney would butter her up, but she was not in the mood that day. She ignored her words.

Rachel was crossed about the way the former treated her.” Watch your manners! The elder is talking to you. If you’re unwilling to see me, you can leave the Quail family.”

Julianna walked out of her room and noticed the unusual expression from her daughter. She quickly helped her out when she saw that Rachel was angry.

“Whitney must be tired. Don’t stoop to her level, Rachel.”

“Don’t give me that face. Remember, it’s the Quail family who raises you, you thankless wretch.”

Julianna’s face changed after hearing her harsh words.

“What’s the fuss?” Amber came in a wheelchair.

Rachel reluctantly stopped speaking when she saw Amber.

If it wasn’t for her, I would have turfed them out of the Quail family.

Julianna brought Whitney back to her room. Her face darkened when she closed the door.

“Why did you piss her off? Didn’t I tell you to coax her and not mess with her?”

“Mom, do you know who Jessica’s parents are?” Whitney looked up at her all of a sudden.

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Julianna’s heart skipped a beat. She didn’t dare to look into Whitney’s eyes.

“How would I know? Why did you ask?”

Whitney held her hands and said anxiously, “Mom, Jessica is the daughter of the Ferguson family.”

“You…” Julianna almost let the cat out of the bag. “How is this possible? Where did you hear it from?”

“Josephine Turner told me. I heard that Jessica went to Dellmoor yesterday.” Whitney was terrified. “Mom, what should I do? Jessica hates me so much. She will take vengeance on me.”

Julianna’s heart trembled. She feared more than Whitney, but she didn’t show her fears. “It’s all right. Don’t be afraid. We didn’t do anything. She won’t take revenge on us.”

No, she did!

Whitney was unsure if Jessica already knew what was inside when she passed the meal box to Yves.

If she knew what’s inside, I’d be in big trouble. She won’t let me go.

Whitney didn’t dare to tell Julianna the truth.

Julianna hugged her in her arms, comforting her.

Out of the blue, her phone rang. Julianna’s expression changed when she saw the number. “Honey, I have to take a call.”

Whitney watched as her mother left in a hurry. She felt that something was not right.

Julianna went back to her room. She walked straight to the bathroom, locked the door, and picked up the phone.

The person from the other side of the line scolded, “Why took you so long?”

“I-I was busy.”

The person snorted. “The kid has returned to the Ferguson family.”

Julianna’s heart was racing fast. She pretended that she didn’t know. “That’s impossible. I threw her into the river back then. There’s no way she could survive from that.”

“I told you to kill her. I didn’t ask you to act smart and throw her into the river.”

“I thought she’d die. Who knew that she’d survive from it.” Julianna hated Joseph very much.

That dumbass didn’t kill the baby but gave her to the welfare home in Horington City. If it wasn’t for Joseph who threatened me with the money a year ago, I wouldn’t know that the baby is still alive.

When she found out that the baby was still alive, she had sent men to create accidents and tried to kill her silently. Yet little did she expect the baby to survive every accident. Reluctantly, she kept the baby by her side.

She believed that by doing so, the baby couldn’t escape from her.

Unfortunately, things did not go as she had hoped.

Now Julianna had to think of ways to gain trust from the other party.

If the other party knew that Joseph had kept the baby, they wouldn’t let me off.

The other side heard her explanation and scolded, “You fool! You have caused me a lot of trouble!”

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“I really did not expect her to survive. I guess fate was on her side,” Julianna said.

“Hmph.”

Julianna then tried to change the topic. “Is my child doing fine?”

“She’s blessed with wealth. What do you think?” the person asked.

“Good, then,” Julianna replied. She had been secretly

visiting Dellmoor, hoping to see her. However, the Ferguson residence had very tight security. She could not find any way to get past the gates at all.

She missed her daughter, but she was guiltier toward Whitney. This was the reason why she treated Whitney the best that she could.

The person spoke again. “She is going back to Horington City. Think of a way for her to stay there permanently.”

It was a simple statement, but it seemed as though there was another malicious intent to it.

“The Ferguson family knows of her whereabouts. If I were to take any action, they are bound to find out. If this happens…”

Julianna was not dense. She knew that if anyone laid a hand on Jessica now, the Ferguson family would be sure to find out who the culprit was.

If they found that it was her, she would be dead meat in no time. The Quail family would also be greatly affected by her actions.

The person narrowed his eyes and continued coldly, “If you do not wish for unfortunate events, then make sure your plan has no flaws. Do not leave any clues or hints that may lead to you. If you can’t do it, your daughter won’t be able to live lavishly anymore. As for the Quail family…”

There was no need for him to complete his sentence for Julianna to understand what he was trying to imply.

He was clearly using Yuliana and the Quail family as leverage for this deal. He was threatening her.

Julianna was agitated, but she did not show it. “Okay, I understand. I will make sure she stays in Horington City forever,” she answered him calmly.

“Good.”

The call then ended as soon as he finished speaking. Julianna slumped on the floor, exhausted. It was as though the person had sucked all her energy away.

Just then, the glass door slid open. Whitney was standing at the entrance, staring at Julianna with her eyes wide open in shock.

Julianna was stunned as she looked back at her.

“Y-You… What are you doing here?” Julianna stuttered, trying to keep her composure. She did not know how long Whitney had been there, or how much she had heard.

Whitney seemed to know what Julianna was thinking. “I overheard everything, Mom. What’s going on? Who was that child? Why do you have another daughter? Who was that on the phone?” Whitney blurted out all her questions at once.

“You heard nothing,” she answered simply. Julianna was not planning on letting her know much.

But how could Whitney pretend that she did not hear anything at all?

“Was the child Jessica? Did that person on the phone ask you to kill her? I’ll tell her everything I heard if you won’t tell me anything now.”

Whitney reached into her pocket to take out her mobile phone as if to show Julianna that she would call Jessica now.

Julianna snatched her phone away and said sternly, “Stop fooling around.”

Whitney became more suspicious of her actions. “Are you still going to hide everything from me? Am I even your biological daughter? Or is there someone else?”

Looking at Whitney’s reaction, Julianna had no choice but to answer her questions. “I’ll tell you about it if you’re so eager to know. I was pregnant with twins. That year itself, I went to Dellmoor to meet a friend. An accident happened, and I gave birth to the twins prematurely. You have a sister, Whitney. Her name is Yuliana.”

Despite being prepared for this answer, Whitney was still taken aback by Julianna’s response.

“Where is she now?”

“The Ferguson residence in Dellmoor,” Julianna answered hesitantly.

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Whitney looked at Julianna with her eyes wide open.” The F-Ferguson family? Are you talking about-“

“That’s right,” Julianna interrupted her sentence. “The

Ferguson family you’re thinking of right now.”

Whitney’s heart sank. Her sister became the daughter of the Ferguson family in Dellmoor.

She was a famous noblegirl from a wealthy family with a prestigious name.

Why was her sister sent there, and not her?

Julianna saw Whitney’s expression and immediately knew what she was thinking. “It’s not like that. It was chaotic and we, unfortunately, lost your sister. It was her destiny to be adopted and raised by the Ferguson family,” she hurriedly explained.

Her destiny? Was this truly not a decision made by Mom? Or is she saying this so that I don’t hold a grudge against her? Whitney was still full of suspicion.

“Then, who was that on the phone earlier?” she asked bitterly.

“That, you don’t need to know. Knowing who it was would not do you any good, anyway. As for Jessica, whether she is a daughter of the Ferguson family or not, you don’t need to be jealous of her at all. You would be wasting your time if you cared since her life had been miserable since the start.”

Whitney laughed at her response. Indeed, there was nothing about Jessica that Whitney could be jealous of. Jessica had led a miserable life with many unfortunate incidents. Her sister had replaced Jessica and had lived a lavish, enjoyable life.

She was only envious of her sister, whom she had never met, for being able to live a luxurious life unlike she did.

Julianna was worried that Whitney did not know the severity of this matter, so she nagged, “Keep this matter to yourself and don’t tell a single soul. This is our secret. Just you and me, okay?”

Whitney nodded in response. “Mom, are you planning to finish Jessica off?” she asked.

“If I don’t, we’ll be the ones to die. What do you think? Is it better for us to die, or let someone else take our place?” “Okay, Mom.”

As Jessica was getting off the airplane, a text from Josephine came.

Josephine: The task is completed as per your orders. Now, we’re even. Don’t trouble me or my family anymore.

Jessica: Okay.

Josephine let out a deep breath of relief after she read Jessica’s reply.

Meanwhile, in Horington City, the Synder family and the Harrod family were standing in the hallway of a hospital. Samantha was weeping silently.

Yves’ accident was a great shock to her.

They had planned to depart for Moranta the day after. However, they had to delay their trip now that Yves was hospitalized.

Reena turned around and looked at Samantha. “Yves was fine when he left the house earlier. What on earth happened to him?”

Samantha felt wronged. “I have no idea too, Mrs. Harrod. Yves was completely fine until he fainted all of a sudden.” Yves was Reena’s lifeblood. How would she accept Samantha’s irresponsible statement? Just as she was about to interrogate Samantha further, her husband interrupted their conversation.

“Okay, that’s enough. Samantha had quite a shock herself, too. Let’s just wait for the doctor and we’ll see how it goes.” “Yeah, let’s not worry over nothing for now.”

After half an hour, the doors finally opened. They hurriedly

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Chapter 361

Jack was shocked and almost lost his grip on his phone. Hugh was pleased with his brother’s reaction. “I said, Jessica is that so-called annoying little sis of yours, Lilian.” “Hugh! My dear brother! Are you kidding me?” Jack was having difficulty digesting the shocking news.

“You think I’ll kid over such a matter?” Hugh asked coldly.

Great! I know you’re not kidding. Jess is really that annoying little sis of mine. Wait, I mean, Jess is really that dearest baby sister of mine.

Jack replied excitedly, “I knew it! That’s why I’m always comfortable around her and wish to get closer to her. Blood is indeed thicker than water after all!”

“Did she ask you about the blood jade?”

“How did you know that?” Jack asked. Then, he quickly came to his senses and added angrily, “You secretly followed me?!”

“You dumbass!” Hugh ended the call right after he finished his word. He could feel his blood pressure rising the more he talked with his silly brother.

“Hey, hey. Hey!” Jack was mad, but he couldn’t stay angry for long the moment he recalled his last conversation with Jessica.

“Shit! Shit! Shit!” He slapped the back of his head regretfully.

That was the first time the usually cold but well-mannered celebrity cursed profusely.

Damn it! Jess is so cunning!

Before that, Jack wasn’t vigilant enough to notice it.

He immediately drove to Jessica’s place after he calmed himself down.

At the same time, Hugh and Sebastian were standing in front of an old apartment. They were looking at the third floor where the lights were on.

“That’s where she lives?” Sebastian frowned.

“Yup.” Hugh was surprised too because he had just raised 45 million dollars for Jessica.

Then, they went upstairs to knock on Jessica’s door.

She opened the door and met eyes with them.

“Jess,” Hugh said.

Jessica made way for them to enter.

Hugh and Sebastian stepped in and looked around the room. It was a dilapidated room with mostly old furniture.

The spacious living room became cramped when both of them entered.

Hugh and Sebastian felt sad looking at the space.

Jessica then walked into the kitchen and asked, “Make

yourself at home. Do you want a drink?”

“Just water, please.”

Jessica brought two cups of water for them. She then took her seat opposite the brothers.

She looked calm as usual when she asked with a smile, “Mr. Hugh and Dr. Ferguson, is there anything I can help with?”

Hugh sensed that she distanced herself from him more than before.

His heart instantly sank because he had a bad feeling about it.

“Jess, is the blood jade with you?” Hugh wanted to open up a conversation.

“Yes.” Jessica did not hide from them.

She would have said ‘no’ to others, but not to the siblings, as there was no point hiding from them.

“Jess, you are a smart person. You know the reason why we are here. You are the long-lost child of the Ferguson family. You are my sister,” Hugh said.

“I know,” Jessica replied.

Hugh and Sebastian looked at each other.

“May I know what happened back then?” Jessica asked calmly.

Chapter 362

Hugh and Sebastian were happy because Jessica did not avoid the topic.

Sebastian immediately answered, “Back when you were one year old, mom brought you to the hospital for vaccination. However, a hoard of robbers rushed in, and you two were separated in the chaos. When the nurse finally returned with the baby, it was only then mom realized that someone had swapped you with another baby, but it was already too late when we tried to look for you. Besides, the technologies of those days were old and not as advanced as now. It was hard to look for someone. However, we never give up our search for you. Everyone is waiting for you to come back home.”

“So, Yuliana is the baby who was swapped at birth?” Jessica asked.

“Yes. We couldn’t contact her family after that incident. Grandma pitied her and thought that she was also a victim. Hence, she decided to raise her.”

Jessica listened to the story quietly and finally raised her head after a while. “Thank you for giving me the answers.” “Jess, please come home with us.”

“No,” she firmly replied. “It’s late now. You both should go back,” she stood up and added.

They weren’t there for her when she needed them the most, nor were they there for her when she wanted them the most.

Now, she doesn’t need them anymore.

She would be fine all alone.

Hugh and Sebastian had no idea how to react.

“Jess, it’s our fault. There’ll be no next-“

“Mr. Hugh, I’m fine staying alone,” Hugh was cut short by Jessica.

“I hope that you guys won’t look for me again. Can we just stay as how we are?” Jessica looked at him broodingly.

Sebastian felt terrible when Jessica acted so cold and distant toward them. The sight reminded him of how she struggled in the hospital.

What in the world happened that made her like that?

Hugh wanted to say something, but Sebastian stopped him.

“Let’s go.”

Hugh furrowed his brows, and Sebastian cast a meaningful glance at him.

Jessica closed the door right when they left the house.

Both of them stared at the door, not knowing what to say.

Then, they left the building.

“Do you know about her past?” Sebastian asked. Hugh froze.

Sebastian continued, “What do you think about her?”

“She’s strong, independent, smart, courageous, talented, and bold.” Hugh gave her all the best comments. After all, he was the one who scouted Jessica for the company. Every word Hugh said felt heavier for Sebastian.

“She is strong and independent, but that’s because life made her so. She’s blocking herself from all the potential harm that would come her way, including her identity as our sister,” Sebastian said quietly.

Life must’ve been so hard for her that she didn’t know what to do and chose to close herself to the outside world.

Hugh always knew that Jessica was talented at work, but he never knew much about her life.

He was stunned, and he felt heavy-hearted when he looked at the third floor.

Right at that moment, they heard a loud engine noise from behind. It was a red sports car that entered the shabby neighborhood.

Then, Jack got out of the car, and they all exchanged glances.

“Oh, so you guys are waiting for me to go up together, knowing that I’m close to her,” Jack hummed as he came over.

Chapter 363

When he approached them, Jack noticed the serious looks on Hugh and Sebastian, and the smile on his face disappeared immediately.

“What happened? Don’t tell me Jess kicked you guys out.” Jack gloated over the situation.

“Well, watch out for my performance then,” Jack added provocatively. The next moment, the brothers gave him a cold stare, causing Jack to shrink away in fright.

They sneered with a disdainful look on their faces.

“I will buy you the sports car you want if you can bring Jess home,” Hugh offered.

“If you really did it, I will give you the medicine you want,” Sebastian added.

“Then, it’s all set.” Jack was overjoyed.

He instantly put on a stern face and dashed upstairs.

Then, he knocked on the door, but no one answered him.

Moments later, he tried to knock on the door again.

Yet, no one responded.

Jack was anxious now.

Don’t tell me I can’t even enter her room now.

“Jess, it’s me. I’m Jack. Could you please open the door?” Jack shouted worriedly.

“Jess, are you upset? Did the two bully you? Just let me know, and I will teach them a lesson. Please don’t be angry. You can talk to me about it. Jess, could you please just open the door?”

Right before he continued yelling, Jessica opened the door. He was over the moon when she finally appeared. However, Jessica shot him a gloomy look.

Jack shrunk away when he saw her wet hair. He suddenly realized something and felt the embarrassment creeping up on him.

“Did I come at the wrong time?” Jack put on an awkward smile.

“You think?” Jessica replied in annoyance.

She was having a shower when he started shouting.

If he wasn’t a celebrity, she wouldn’t have answered the door this fast.

Seeing that, Jack raised his hands in defeat. “I am sorry about it.”

He then extended his palm before her.

Jessica had no idea what he meant by that.

“Just hit me if you are angry.” Jack lowered his head to apologize. His fans would definitely give in to that handsome yet pitiful look he had on now.

However, it seemed useless to Jessica.

Clap!

All of a sudden, he heard a crisp sound. Jessica had slapped his palm with her fair hands.

Jack was stunned, and he immediately looked at her with a charming smile.

“So, do you feel better now?”

Jack didn’t ask about what happened just now.

He just treated her as usual but with more care.

Then, he sat on the old couch and crossed his legs lazily. He rested his arms across the couch comfortably, as though he was at his own home.

“Jess, fate really brought us together. Ever since I first met you, I felt a kinship with you. Now, I finally know it’s because we are blood-related siblings! Why didn’t God let us meet earlier? Don’t you think the same? I would love to beat up God for making us meet up so late. What do you think about my idea? Don’t you think it sounds amazing?” Jack made a face at Jessica to make her happy.

Chapter 364

Jessica was both speechless and amused when she looked at Jack.

He was an unpredictable man who wouldn’t play by the rules, so she didn’t know what to do with him.

“Jack.”

Jack didn’t look happy when he heard how distant she sounded.

“I’m your brother now!” He put on a stern face.

The next second, his face melted into a fawning smile.” Jess, I am your brother now. You don’t have to take Hugh and Sebastian as your brothers, but not me. You know I cared about you the most.”

Jessica was rendered speechless.

Seeing her reaction, Jack did not force her anymore and changed the topic. “Jess, I’m so tired today. I worked the whole day before rushing here. Where can I sleep tonight?”

Then, he stood up and started to find a place to sleep, but he realized there was only one bedroom.

“Get me a blanket. I’ll sleep here tonight.” Jack sat on the couch and gave her a dazzling smile.

“I will book a hotel for you. You are not sleeping here tonight.”

“No. I’m sleeping here tonight.” Jack didn’t want to leave. Your place is better than the hotel. We used to sleep together as kids, but now, I’ll just stay beside you.”

Jessica went quiet at his request.

What should I do with him? Chase him out by force?

She knew that he would somehow behave like that, but she couldn’t believe he could be even more shameless than how she had imagined, especially knowing the fact he was a top star in the entertainment industry.

Jessica smacked her forehead at his antics. “Do your fans. know you’re this shameless?”

Jack shrugged. “That is fine as long as I’m handsome.”

He lifted his head as he spoke, and he looked even more handsome under the lights.

Jessica looked at that flawlessly good-looking face and thought. True, you can do anything you want if you are good-looking. Damn it! The world is cruel!

“Are you sure you want to sleep here?” Jessica asked. The couch was for three people, but Jack was six feet tall, and he couldn’t even fit in.

“Yes.” Jack nodded.

Jessica sat in front of him solemnly. “Jack, there’s no need to be like that. I know what you are trying to do.”

Jack tried to say something, but Jessica stopped him.

“I have been like this since I was young. I eat alone, celebrate alone, and even live alone. It might be hard sometimes, but time will heal. I’m used to it now, and it’s not a big deal for me. I don’t need you to sympathize with me and feel guilty over everything. I don’t even need the love from you guys. I’m fine staying just like this. I searched for my family because I needed to know the truth. I am glad to know that they didn’t actually abandon me, and that’s enough.”

Jack didn’t know what to answer. “Jess, it’s not like that. It’s not because of sympathy and…”

He suddenly held his tongue and went silent. He couldn’t say the word ‘guilt’ out loud, because the whole family did blame themselves for this.

Even though he was only six years old at that time, he clearly understood how hard it was for Jessica. He knew that it was their fault for her loss of family love and care. “That’s fine. I understand it. It would be weird for me too if my family appeared out of nowhere.” Jack didn’t ask for more because he realized that it wasn’t easy for Jessica to open up.

He knew that coaxing words wouldn’t change her mind, hence it was useless to say anything more.

However, he believed that time would prove that they had always loved her!

Chapter 365

Sebastian and Hugh glanced at the third floor of the building from time to time.

“Do you think he can do it?” asked Sebastian.

“Maybe,” replied Hugh.

Jack might look heartless, but he always knew how to let Jessica put her guard down.

Hugh and Sebastian could sense that Jessica was resisting them.

Although they did not know the reason behind it, they

believed that she would accept them one day.

Just then, two young girls appeared in front of them out of nowhere.

“Are you Jack?” One of the girls stared at Sebastian longingly.

Sebastian pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and said, No.”

“Haha, I know you’re Jack even if you’re wearing glasses,” continued the girl.

Restraining himself from pushing the girl away, Sebastian spoke coldly. “You’re not a real fan.”

That was the reason why he hated Jack.

He would still be mistaken for Jack even after he tried to disguise himself with a pair of glasses.

Meanwhile, another girl was peeking at Hugh. This man is so handsome and manly!

Seeing that the two girls did not intend to leave, Hugh waved his hand.

After that, a few bodyguards showed up, asking the girls to leave politely.

However, the two girls were not afraid of the bodyguards but became more excited instead.

Their excited shouts could still be heard even after they left.

“Wow, he’s so handsome like Jack! I’ll have no regrets in my life if I can date him.”

“He’s so manly!”

When the two girls went upstairs, they even took pictures of Hugh and Sebastian secretly.

Then, they uploaded the pictures to Twitter with a caption. Met two incredibly handsome guys in a neighborhood. Perhaps they were waiting for Cinderella to come back to them.

In the meantime, Jack was curling up on a tiny couch.

Downstairs, Hugh and Sebastian were standing quietly while waiting for Jack. However, Jack did not show up even after the room on the third floor went dark.

In the room, Jessica was lying on the bed with her eyes closed.

A moment later, she opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling.

The room was dark and quiet while she was hearing the movements that happened outside.

Jessica sat up after tossing and turning around. She then put on a coat before opening the door. Noticing Jack, who curled up, she picked up the blanket on the floor and

covered him with it.

The moment the door of her room was closed, Jack opened his eyes. He smiled as he rubbed the blanket. I’ll touch Jess’ heart one day.

Back in the room, Jessica opened the window. In the next second, her long hair fluttered together with the wind.

When she saw Hugh and Sebastian, she recognized them instantly.

They were still there, guarding her silently.

For a moment, Jessica was moved.

Just then, her phone screen lit up.

It was a message from Hugh. Don’t worry too much. Sleep well.

The message was short, but it made her feel warm in her heart.

Holding the phone tightly, Jessica looked outside the window before turning her head and glanced in the direction of the living room.

“Can I trust you all?” asked Jessica in a low voice.

Can I trust your words and your sincerity?

Chapter 366

When the sunlight shone through the window, Jessica opened her eyes.

Realizing that it was already 9:15 a.m., she put on her clothes hurriedly. When she looked outside the window, she noticed that Hugh and Sebastian were surrounded by a group of elderly people.

She smiled upon seeing them feel awkward.

In the living room, there was no one on the couch.

“Jess, come and have your breakfast.” Jack was standing at the kitchen door, smiling. At that moment, he was wearing an apron and holding a spatula.

“I’m frying eggs. Your breakfast will be done after you wash up.”

Seeing that Jessica stood still, Jack waved the spatula as he added, “Hurry up.”

Jessica then went to the bathroom and washed her face so that she could be clear-headed.

In front of the mirror, she rubbed her fingers across her cheeks. The terrifying scar from her previous life was no longer there. Despite that, painful memories from her previous life were still lingering with her.

A hearty breakfast was served on the table. After a while, Jack served Jessica a fried egg.

“Eat up. I’ve spent the morning…” When Jack met her bright eyes, he gulped and changed his mind. “I bought it downstairs.”

“It’s too much.”

“Don’t worry; I can help you finish it up. Moreover, there are two more people downstairs.” Jack smiled.

Drinking the pumpkin soup, Jessica found that its temperature was just right. It seemed that the person who cooked it had plotted down to the minute.

She was surprised the moment she ate the bread.

That bread was her all-time favorite because it was large and cheap.

She then drank the soy milk. It was freshly made, and she was familiar with the taste.

It turned out that the breakfast had been specially prepared for her.

Knowing that Jessica lowered her gaze as she was moved. After a moment, she looked at Jack and said, “Let them come up and have breakfast together.”

“Forget about them. I’ll just enjoy the breakfast with you.” Jack waved his hand as he did not care about his two elder brothers.

“Call them.”

Jack compromised eventually, and hence, he gave Hugh a phone call.

Downstairs, the group of elderly people was sizing Hugh and Sebastian up.

“Young man, you look strong.”

“How old are you? What’s your job? How many family members do you have?”

“Do you have a girlfriend?”

“I have a granddaughter. She’s very pretty, and she’s a stewardess. I think both of you will make a good couple. Here’s her number. Give her a call.”

“Young man, come back! You’re a good match for my niece.” No matter where Hugh and Sebastian escaped to, those elderly people kept introducing their family members to the two.

Therefore, they quickly ran away when Hugh received Jack’s phone call.

Upstairs, the four siblings were having breakfast around a crude-looking table.

Looking at his two elder brothers and his younger sister, Jack could not help but feel grateful.

It had been a long time since they had breakfast together before Jessica went missing.

And now, they finally reunited.

Chapter 367

Although Hugh and Sebastian did not sleep the previous night, they looked energetic.

After breakfast, Jessica told them to sit on the couch opposite her. Sitting on the single-seater, she glanced at them.

In fact, that was not their first meeting. She even had a good relationship with two of them.

She never expected that the people she admired would turn out to be her family. Not only that, all of them even showed up in front of her at the same time.

“We’re a family, but we have totally different living conditions. You guys learned noble manners since young whereas I was a fraud and a beggar in order to survive. You’re wise men and it would be impossible for me to think the same way as you. You may tolerate me because you feel sorry for me. But, I believe that you’ll be fed up with me one day when you no longer can bear with me who has no noble manners. When that happens, you’ll dislike me and abandon me. At that time, what should I do? We’re not from the same world. So, we better not force ourselves to accept each other. Otherwise, we’ll definitely feel regret one day. We don’t have to interrupt each other’s lives. Don’t you know that absence makes the heart grow fonder?” Jessica smiled at Hugh, Sebastian, and Jack, who fell silent.

Jessica did not want to experience the feeling of being abandoned once again. Hence, she no longer wanted to try to fit in the world that did not belong to her.

Just as Jack was about to say something, he was interrupted by Hugh. “Okay.”

Jessica smiled when he agreed with her.

“But, you have to promise me one thing.”

“What is it?”

“Follow me to Dellmoor to meet someone. Only then, I’ll let you decide whether you want to stay with us.”

Jessica nodded, “All right.”

That afternoon, Jessica flew to Dellmoor with her three elder brothers.

Meanwhile, Samantha was happy and worried at the same time when she found out that Jessica was going to Dellmoor. She had mixed feelings as she thought that Jessica was going to return to her biological family.

When she went downstairs, she saw that Charles had brought a group of people back. She hesitated to say something upon seeing that.

It was only until everyone left in the evening that she went to his study.

“What’s the matter?!” asked Charles without looking up.

“Uncle Charles, Jess has found her family,” Samantha spoke slowly.

“When? Where is she now?” Charles immediately raised his head.

“She has probably reached Dellmoor. You’ll never believe who her biological family is,” said Samantha proudly.

“Don’t beat around the bush and just tell me!”

“Her brother is Hugh,” replied Samantha obediently.

“What?!” Charles stood up immediately.

Chapter 368

Samantha was surprised to see Charles’ reaction. She did not expect to see him to be that shocked. “How did you know?”

“What if I tell you that I’ve already found out about it three days ago? Will you be angry with me?” asked Samantha.

Without warning, Charles approached her and pinched her cheeks harshly.

“Ouch! Uncle Charles, I promise to tell you immediately next time.”

Hearing that, Charles let go of her. Jess is actually a member of the Ferguson family!

Samantha trembled when Charles gave her a death stare. With that, she quickly ran out of the study.

Ignoring her, Charles made a phone call. “Ash, delay my schedule for tomorrow. Also, help me to book a plane to Dellmoor for tonight.”

Meanwhile, a private aircraft landed at the airport of Dellmoor.

After Jessica and the other alighted from the plane, they got into two luxury cars.

Jessica looked at the buildings outside the window. That was the first time she came to Dellmoor, and she was unfamiliar with everything.

Jack held back his words when he saw that she was focusing on the scene outside the car window.

Around an hour later, they came to the entrance of a mansion. The guard immediately let them in when they saw the cars.

Jessica got out of the car after it was parked. Standing in front of the door, she stared at the huge old house.

The Ferguson brothers walked in front of her.

“This is our house. You’ve lived here before one year old,” Hugh spoke.

Jessica looked at the strange surroundings and kept silent. A one-year-old won’t remember anything.

Jasmine, who had been waiting at the door, was shocked to see Jessica.

“Is this Jessica?” Jasmine welcomed her warmly.

Aaron was also surprised to see Jessica when he came to the living room. She looks just like her!

At the same time, Jessica was sizing him up. The Ferguson brothers look slightly like him. He looked serious and authoritative.

Hugh explained to Jessica, “He’s our dad, Aaron.”

Jessica nodded slightly upon hearing that.

Approaching Jessica, Aaron smiled brightly. “Jess, welcome home.”

“You’re wrong. I just came here to meet a person. I’ll leave after that,” said Jessica calmly.

Aaron was taken aback, and hence, he turned to look at the Ferguson brothers.

Jack shrugged helplessly whereas Sebastian pretended to know nothing.

Just then, Hugh asked, “Jess, do you want to take a rest first?”

“There’s no need to.”

“All right.”

After that, Hugh led Jessica upstairs and instructed the rest to stay downstairs.

Aaron brought Hugh and Jessica to the bedroom that was located at the deepest part of the second floor. They stopped at the end of the corridor.

“She’s inside.” Hugh opened the door and let Jessica enter alone.

Aaron wanted to follow her, but Hugh stopped him.

The door was slowly closed when Jessica went into the room.

“My little sweetheart, hurry up and fall asleep. Mom will come to your dream…” The voice was soft and melodious to the ear.

Chapter 369

There were a lot of dolls in the huge room. A pink princess bed was placed in the middle of the room. A woman was patting a doll gently on the bed. It was as if she was

protecting the doll with her utmost care.

The woman then kissed the doll. “Lilian, my little sweetheart.”

Jessica felt heavy-hearted when she saw the woman. This is my mom.

Sensing a burning gaze, Yusra turned her head and met Jessica’s gaze.

The angel that was always on her mind matched the lady in front of her.

“Lilian.” Her eyes immediately lit up.

Yusra ran toward Jessica and hugged her. “Lilian, you’re finally back.”

Jessica could feel something wet at the back of her neck. “I’m sorry; it’s all my fault to have lost you.” Yusra sobbed. Jessica stood still, letting Yusra hug her.

Meanwhile, Yusra kept apologizing and blaming herself. For the past ten years, she struggled to forgive herself. Because of that, she kept torturing herself.

Yusra hugged Jessica tightly as if she was afraid to lose her again.

At that moment, Jessica could feel Yusra’s remorse, guilt, fear, and excitement.

Gradually, Jessica was affected by those emotions.

Her mind went blank as she did not know how to react. She stood still, though she felt difficult to breathe.

On the other hand, Hugh and Aaron were waiting anxiously outside the room.

Aaron kept staring at the door worriedly whereas Hugh stood beside him quietly.

Aaron frowned. “It’s quiet inside. Will something bad happen?”

“No,” replied Hugh indifferently.

On the surface, Aaron was a decisive and rational person. But, he could not stay calm whenever he dealt with matters related to Yusra.

“It has been a while, but it’s still quiet inside. There must be something wrong.”

Just as Aaron wanted to open the door, Hugh stopped him. “Wait.”

We have to let Mom change Jess’ mind about staying with us.

With that in mind, Hugh would stop anyone from ruining his plan, even if that person was his father.

In the room, Yusra slowly became calm. She panicked when she saw that Jessica had remained silent for a long while. Hence, she asked worriedly, “Lilian, do you want to go to bed? I’ll stay with you.”

Jessica wanted to refuse her. But, when she met Yusra’s gaze, she compromised. “Okay.”

After that, she lay on the bed obediently.

Yusra covered her with a blanket happily. Patting Jessica’s shoulder gently, she sang Jessica to sleep. “My little sweetheart quickly falls asleep and Mom will meet you in the dream…”

Chapter 370

Hugh and Aaron had waited for Jessica outside the room for an hour.

Aaron eventually lost his patience, and hence, he opened the door.

Hugh did not stop him at that time as he also followed Aaron.

The moment they entered the room, they heard a lullaby. Then, they saw Yusra caress Jessica, who had fallen asleep.

The scene was so heart-warming and beautiful that one could not bear to disrupt them.

Yusra frowned and turned around when she sensed their presence. She waved her hand impatiently, signaling them to leave.

“Lilian has just fallen asleep. Hurry up and leave.”

Aaron was so happy to see Yusra become normal again. “Okay,” Aaron agreed as he tried to drag Hugh out. Hugh, on the other hand, glanced at Jessica and then Yusra. Without further delay, Aaron dragged Hugh out of the room. He then asked in displeasure, “Are you afraid that your mom will harm her?”

Hugh gazed at Aaron and said, “Jess doesn’t want to acknowledge us.”

“Looks like you still remember that incident, huh! At that time, your mom was mentally unstable. That was why she lost Lilian accidentally. You also know that she kept blaming herself afterward, right? It was only recently that her condition became better. And now, it would be impossible for her to harm Lilian.”

Hugh fell silent upon hearing that.

He would never forget that night. If he and Sebastian had not reacted in time, the Ferguson brothers would have lost their lives.

Hugh was only eleven that year.

Jack might have forgotten about it, but Hugh would not.

After a while, Jack and Sebastian saw Hugh and Aaron come down.

“Hugh, how’s everything? What’s Jess’ reaction?” asked Jack anxiously.

He tried to go upstairs but was stopped by Sebastian just now.

“Everything’s all right. But, it may be difficult for Jess to change her mind.”

“What should we do?” Jack was depressed.

“She’ll start her school here after a month.”

At that time, we had plenty of time to try to change her mind. She’s wary of all of us right now. So, it may take her some time to accept us. She compromises only because Mom is sick.

When Jessica woke up, she was slightly taken aback to see Yusra fall asleep beside her.

Was she staying by my side the whole time while I was sleeping? Jessica was slightly moved.

Lifting the blanket slowly, she got down from bed before covering Yusra with a thin blanket.

She then left the room and closed the door cautiously. Nobody was in the living room when she went downstairs. Jasmine heard the movements, and hence, she walked out of the kitchen. She smiled when she saw Jessica. “Jessica, are you hungry? Have a bowl of pumpkin soup first. What do you want for supper? I’ll inform the chef.”

It was already two o’clock in the morning when Jessica took a look at the clock.

“Just a bowl of pumpkin soup. Thank you.”

“All right.”

Jasmine went back to the kitchen after serving Jessica the pumpkin soup.

After a while, she came out with two fried eggs and a few side dishes.

“Have some more, Jessica. I’m going to tell Hugh to come downstairs.” Jasmine took off the apron as she spoke.

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Chapter 341

“Yes, she told me it’s a wooden box. But I’m not sure what it looks like. I’ve never seen it before,” George explained, hoping it would impress her.

“If that’s the case, I’ll get you 30 thousand dollars. If there’s any useful information in the future, contact me right away. I’ll reward you accordingly depending on the information you provide.”

George was overjoyed to hear that. “Sure, no problem.”

“A reminder to not be too dense while asking questions. Go with the flow. When someone is sad, listen to what they have to say. Lure her to talk only when she lets her guard down.”

Jessica was concerned about this idiot. She passed on her experience and skills to him patiently.

George was not bothered by it since he was getting paid for it and he dared not defy the person before him.

“All right, I’ll remember it.”

Jessica was not sure if he really remembered it.

Having George as my pawn is better than nothing. There’s no saying that he won’t be useful.

Jessica ended the call and mumbled, “Just what’s inside the wooden box.”

There must be a reason why she wanted it so badly. I should probably visit Joseph’s house. But what excuse can I use? I need to think about this carefully.

It was a peaceful, run-down neighborhood. Occasionally, one could see old folks playing chess and chit-chatting in the shade.

Jessica was carrying a basket of fruit when she arrived. She went upstairs according to the house number and knocked on the door.

The door opened to a middle-aged woman looking at her.” What are you doing here? Haven’t you made my family miserable enough?”

While the woman was talking, she took the broom beside the door and swung it toward Jessica. Jessica caught it with her hands before it landed on her.

“Don’t you wish to know how your husband died?”

“What do you mean?” The woman stopped trying to get the broom away.

Jessica glanced around from the corner of her eyes. “You want me to tell you here?”

The woman hesitated. She let go of her broom and gave way to her.

Jessica entered the room. There was clutter everywhere in the narrow space. A foul stench was filling up the room. Seeing such horrible living conditions, Jessica did not react at all.

Instead, the woman was the one who looked weary. She pointed at the sofa and said, “Take a seat.”

The woman took out a chair and sat down. She looked at Jessica sullenly. “What were you trying to say?”

“Do you know what Joseph was doing on the day of the accident?” Jessica asked.

The woman frowned. “All I know is that he was going to meet someone. He said that meeting that person would get my son out of jail.”

It seems that Joseph didn’t get specific with her. He’s afraid that she might spill the beans.

Jessica more or less knew that Joseph didn’t tell her anything.

If she knew what was going on with Julianna, I’m afraid she wouldn’t be able to remain here safely.

“Why are you asking me this?”

“Listen to this.”

Jessica took out her phone and played a phone call recording.

It was George’s voice. The context was about George exposing Julianna yesterday – how Julianna had bribed the chauffeur to get Joseph into a car accident by pretending to be drunk.

Chapter 342

Tiffany’s eyes were wide open after listening. But she refused to believe it because she didn’t trust Jessica. Jessica stopped the recording and looked at her. “This person is Julianna’s gigolo. He sold me the information. I did some investigation on the chauffeur. Before the accident, there was an extra 15 thousand dollars in his house. This is the money transfer record. It happened a week before the accident.”

Jessica handed the copy to Tiffany, and the latter looked at it. Even if she refused to believe her, she couldn’t help but have a slight change of heart.

“Why would she do that? That’s her brother.”

“That’s because your husband has something she fears. If I’m not mistaken, your husband asked for a large sum of money from Julianna, am I right?”

Tiffany remained silent. But deep down, she knew that there was such a thing.

“Do you really think Julianna is such a generous person? Have you ever wondered why she was being so charitable and giving away so much money?”

Confronted by Jessica’s questions, Tiffany lost faith.

When Joseph got the money home, she had assumed that it was because Julianna felt guilty. That was why she gave the compensation.

But looking back, it wasn’t as simple as she thought it was. Tiffany was not a fool. She got a hint of what this was all about. “The reason you’re here is because of that thing, right?”

“Yes,” Jessica admitted openly.

“I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. My husband wouldn’t tell me anything. I don’t even know if that thing exists,” Tiffany said in a deep voice.

“Now that you know about this, I’m afraid you won’t be safe. She didn’t even hesitate to finish off her flesh and blood.

As her sister-in-law, do you think she will show you mercy?” Jessica speculated while trying to frighten her.

Tiffany smiled indifferently. “There’s no purpose for me to live anyway. My husband is dead. My son is in jail. It hurts just to stay alive.”

“Your son can’t be saved. But you can redress your husband’s injustice. Do you want to see him die in vain while the killer is out there freely? The Larson family fell apart, but Julianna is still one of the Quail family. She’s living as extravagant as usual. Look at yourself. You’re supposed to be the glamorous Mrs. Quail. Aren’t you supposed to do something about it?”

As Tiffany was listening, her jealousy and resentment were boiling inside. Her fury turned into tears as they streamed down her face.

“You’re right. How can she live a good life while I don’t?” Jessica smiled. That’s more like it.

Tiffany looked at her coldly. “She’s not a good person, but so are you. You’re the Little Stock God who raised funds illegally. But you put the blame on my son.”

“Mrs. Quail, I believe that Yonah not only told you this, but he told the police too. However, the police didn’t suspect me at all. They didn’t even ask me anything. There’s enough evidence to prove that I’m innocent. Do you think the police will let me go if I’m guilty? I know why Yonah said that. Mrs. Quail, I know you’re smart. Deep down you knew it, but you couldn’t accept it, so you pushed the blame on others. If it’s your intention to make others uncomfortable, it’s fine with me.”

Tiffany was speechless.

Chapter 343

“I want the wooden box. Just so you know, I could have waited for you to leave the house. I could have even gotten someone to make you go away, but I choose to come to you openly and directly. Do you know why?” asked Jessica. Tiffany didn’t respond to her question.

Jessica went on and said, “A clean hand wants no washing – this is who I am and who I always will be. I knew right from meeting Julianna that you are wise enough to tell right from wrong.”

Convinced by her words, Tiffany replied, “Go ahead. That’s if you can actually find it.”

“Thank you,” Jessica said wholeheartedly.

Jessica was well aware of who the real enemy was. This was between her and Yonah, so she had no reason to hate his parents. Every debt has its debtor, no? There’s no need to involve the bystanders.

Jessica began her search. The house was small and stuffy – every inch of usable space was full of clutter. No wonder George couldn’t find it even after several visits. This place is a hell of a mess!

After an hour of searching, there was still no progress whatsoever.

Tiffany stood aside and watched. She looked utterly uninterested in Jessica’s pursuit of what seemed to be containing the biggest secret of the century.

Did she do it on purpose? Did she make it like this so no one could access it? doubted Jessica as she suddenly realized she’d merely scratched the tip of the iceberg. This isn’t going to work. There’s just too much stuff in here! God knows how long it’ll take me to open all these sealed boxes. I need a better way of doing this.

Jessica wiped off the sweat on her forehead. She then took her phone out and made a call, “Hi, is this Rootshine Ventures? I need you to send seven or eight people over to tidy up. Yes, just about seven or eight will do, and I need them right now. Name your cost. Cool, I’m on Norram Street… Yes, the sooner the better.”

After ending the call, she dropped what she was doing and sat down to wait for assistance to arrive.

Eight housekeeping ladies showed up at the door in a short while. They were just as shocked as Jessica upon seeing the mountain of clutter.

The house was roughly 860 square feet. However, the sizable clutter made it look as though it was only a quarter of the actual space. It was smelly, horribly small, and poorly ventilated.

“Please categorize accordingly. If you come across a wooden box, a box-like object, or anything that is in good shape, do let me know as soon as possible,” said Jessica.

“All right,” all eight of the housekeeping ladies replied in sync.

They worked efficiently.

Jessica carefully inspected the trash to make sure she did not miss a single thing.

The house was now looking good as new after half a day of hard work. However, no wooden box or anything valuable was found. Instead, some of Tiffany’s jewelry was retrieved in the process of Jessica’s search.

The housekeeping ladies left. “Tiffany, do you really not have any ideas on where your husband would stash away something that needs to be hidden?” asked Jessica with a tilted head as she looked at Tiffany.

“If I knew, I wouldn’t have needed you to tell me how he died,” replied Tiffany emotionlessly.

Tiffany’s words left Jessica speechless.

Tiffany continued, “I’ve let you search the place, yet you have found nothing. Maybe that thing isn’t here at all, or maybe this isn’t even the right place to search in, to begin with.”

Not the right place… Is she implying that he’d put it where they used to stay… the villa? I-impossible! It is too important to not have brought it with him when he left. And what if the new owner of that villa just throws it away? No, he wouldn’t risk losing it. It can only be here – it has to be. I just don’t know where it’s hidden, not yet.

Where could you hide a wooden box perfectly away from the public’s eyes? pondered Jessica as she kept on scanning her surroundings.

Chapter 344

“I’d stop looking if I were you. Not even I could find something he purposely hid. The house is as big as it gets, and you did what you could. Let’s be realistic; the wooden box isn’t going to appear out of thin air.” Tiffany couldn’t help but pity Jessica.

Should I just give up? Jessica was not happy with the results of her search.

The truth is all I seek – the truth that all orphans wish to know from their parents. There are all kinds of children in the orphanage; some were born with disabilities, and others were born ill. Many more are perfectly healthy. Why were we gathered in that house of sorrow? I need to know the truth that would clear my doubt from those countless nights. No, I will not give up. Jessica was determined to find the wooden box. She was determined to know the reason for her abandonment.

She looked everywhere she could under the bed, the back of the picture frame, and in every piece of furniture that could have a secret compartment. However, reality eventually caught up with her wishful thinking.

There’s no way it’s in there. Where exactly would he hide it? She looked at the ceiling which was made of plaster decorated with uninteresting lamps.

“Tiffany, is this the only property you have? Are there any others?” asked Jessica.

“This is the only one I have left that is under my name,” Tiffany replied truthfully.

Damn it! Where the hell could it be?

“It’s getting late. I think you should leave,” said Tiffany as the sky had turned completely dark.

Jessica took a peek outside of the window and apologized, “Sorry for bothering you.”

All she felt was a void of emptiness as she walked down the alley. The streetlights flickered almost rhythmically as though they were dancing to her emotional roller coaster.

She walked into the main street as she arrived at the end of the alley. The place was well-lit and busy as usual with the ongoing traffic soaring beside her.

Screech! Suddenly, there was the sound of emergency braking, followed by the cry of a child.

“What the heck?! Watch your kid! Damn it, what a nuisance!”

A man was unleashing his anger on a child, who was sitting on the ground while recovering from the shock.

“S-sorry, I’m so sorry.” The child’s mother bowed and apologized to the driver as she held the child in her arms. The unpleasant event caused a traffic jam. The woman left hurriedly, together with the child in the midst of growing impatience and prolonged honks from the road.

Jessica looked at the blood running from the child’s arm, then at the cars. She suddenly had a flashback to the day when Joseph had a car accident.

He pointed to the sky. Jessica looked up at the sky. Could it be that it’s at the top? But the upper area of the house was made of gypsum board! there’s no way for the wooden box to be up there. Oh, wait! The bathroom and kitchen have cemented ceilings!

Jessica immediately turned around and ran back to Tiffany’s house as fast as she could. She knocked at the door to make her presence known again. However, there was no response even after several attempts.

It is impossible that she’s not in here. Where else could she possibly be? Jessica continued knocking on the door.

Tiffany opened the door after a while. She seemed taken aback after seeing the person standing outside of her house.

“W-why are you here again?” asked Tiffany as Jessica returned as a complete surprise to her.

Jessica noticed the different shades of water stains on Tiffany’s arm and clothes at a glance.

“I left something in the house,” said Jessica calmly.

“Oh, really? Tell me where you left it, and I’ll go get it for you.”

Tiffany stood still at the door, showing no intention of letting Jessica into the house.

Chapter 345

“No need! I can get it myself.” Jessica pushed open the door and stomped into the house.

Her sudden actions caught Tiffany by surprise.

“Why did you just come in like that?” Tiffany asked in an angry tone.

Jessica walked in and closed the door. She stood in the living room and looked directly. “Mrs. Larson, your acting sure is great. I was almost deceived by you.”

“What do you mean?” Panic flashed across Tiffany’s eyes. “Lies laced with the truth surely are the most deceiving in the world. Joseph may not have told you many secrets, but as his partner, you would still be able to find out things. It’s just that you never dig deep enough.”

“What exactly do you want to say?” Tiffany frowned unhappily.

“Well, you should know what I’m trying to say, don’t you? Hand over the thing.” Reaching out her hand, Jessica’s clear eyes were filled with amusement.

Tiffany’s expression wavered. Pretending not to understand, she said, “I already told you. I don’t know where it is. You’ve already looked everywhere in the house.”

Jessica chuckled. “You’re still pretending? Is there a need to do so? You’re only wasting my time. You just went to the washroom and retrieved it, didn’t you? Your wet shirt and hands are evidence.”

Tiffany looked down and saw that the hem of her shirt was damp. She let out a helpless laugh at the sight. “You’re indeed observant, even at such a young age. I guess your wit did play an important role in the Larson family’s downfall, not just because you had the support of the Ferguson family.”

Even though Jessica took the position of Chairman at Stardust Corporation, many still perceived that the one truly in power was the Ferguson family.

Therefore, the stock prices of Stardust Corporation would continue to rise.

The capitalists did not care about Jessica. They cared about the Ferguson family instead.

“That’s right. I found it. That old guy put the thing in the old water tank in the bathroom. If I hadn’t accidentally bumped into him, I would have never found out where he hid it.”

Tiffany gave up.

When Tiffany saw Jessica rushing over, she thought that Jessica had figured it out too.

Jessica did not deny her guess.

“I will pass you the box but under one condition.”

“Alright. However, the condition must be something I can fulfill and does not violate my principles.” Jessica agreed. “Don’t worry. I won’t ask you to do anything illegal. I need money, and I want to see Julianna driven out of the Quail family like a dog. These conditions aren’t too hard, right?” “Okay,” replied Jessica.

“I want you to give me the money now. I don’t trust you,” Tiffany said.

Without hesitation, Jessica called Zander’s phone and asked his men to transfer the money.

After receiving the message that the money was sent, Tiffany walked into the bedroom and pulled out a purple wooden box. She placed it in front of Jessica and said, ” This is the thing you are looking for.”

Jessica gazed at the wooden box in front of her and reached out, but her fingers stopped in midair.

At that moment, she felt a sudden trace of hesitation and fear.

She was even a little scared to touch the box, much less open it.

After coming close to finding out the truth, she felt like retreating for the first time. However, the moment that thought appeared, she immediately waved it away.

She picked up the wooden box and slowly opened it.

Chapter 346

The moment she opened it, her eyes widened in shock. It contained a blood-jade pendant and an envelope.

Jessica picked up the envelope that was slightly yellow at the edges. When she opened it up, it revealed a handwritten letter with graceful handwriting.

Jessica recognized it at once. It was Julianna’s handwriting. Joseph, I ran into some trouble at Dellmoor. Make sure no one knows that you’re coming. Please come fast. I need you here.

That letter only contained three short lines. The content was very simple and did not have any special meaning. However, Joseph kept that letter all this time. It was definitely not as simple.

She set the letter down and picked up the blood jade. The blood jade was delicate and bright – it was of the finest quality.

A naturally formed blood jade was the rarest kind of jade, and the features of this particular jade in the box were of the best quality, which was even rarer.

If this kind of blood jade were to be sold on the market, it would definitely attract many collectors.

Jessica carefully inspected the blood jade and found a small inscription on the inner wall.

“Lilian,” Jessica whispered.

Suddenly, Tiffany snatched the blood jade from her hand and held it tightly. She carefully wiped it with an excited expression.

“This piece of blood jade is beautiful. It’s rare to see a blood jade of this quality.”

Jessica saw the greed in her eyes and took the blood jade away from her.

“What are you doing?” Tiffany was angry. “Give the pendant back to me.”

“Tiffany, you shouldn’t be so greedy. This is already mine,” Jessica replied icily.

Tiffany was deeply regretful about her decision. She did not know that the wooden box contained such a valuable item. If she had known, she would have never given it to Jessica so easily.

It’s all her fault for arriving so soon. I just found it and didn’t even get the chance to check the contents.

“I only gave it to you to have a look. I didn’t say the contents belonged to you,” Tiffany replied unreasonably.

Jessica sat down on the old couch and crossed her legs. Raising her eyebrows, she said coldly, “Am I being too kind to you?”

This is so infuriating!

“Give it back to me, or I’m calling the police and charging you for trespassing and robbery,” threatened Tiffany.

450 thousand dollars in exchange for a blood jade that is worth more than 80 million dollars, dream on!

Jessica threw the phone on the table. “Go on, call them!” Tiffany was taken aback.

This girl has some guts!

“Do you need me to call them for you?” Jessica calmly asked.

“You’re not scared?” Tiffany was suspicious.

She could be bluffing!

Jessica replied slowly, “Once the police arrive, I will accuse you of extortion. You said the blood jade is yours? Does it have your fingerprint on it?”

While talking, Jessica was calmly wiping the blood jade.

“Do you have any proof that you own the jade? Tiffany, I bet you didn’t even know that every piece of jade, especially this kind, has an identification code. Can you produce it?”

“Of course, you could say that it was inherited, but this jade pendant isn’t ancient. This kind of thing can be easily inspected by a professional.”

Tiffany was taken aback, but she still did not believe it. Jessica was not in a hurry either. She continued, “When your son had an accident, didn’t you wonder why your husband did not dare to use this jade pendant to save him? Did you ever think of the reason why?”

Chapter 347

“Because he didn’t dare to do it!”

After hearing that, Tiffany stopped fighting.

Jessica picked up her things and stood up. “Your son ruined himself due to his insatiable desire,” she said before leaving.

When the door closed, Tiffany exploded with rage.

Her son was her weakness.

Jessica held the blood jade that she had been searching for in her hands. If it was in Joseph’s hands, he might know where it came from. However, he didn’t write it down.

The blood jade was the key to solving the mystery.

At home, Jessica searched for information about the blood jade on the internet, but all of them were useless.

Jessica lay on her bed while holding the jade under the light. She could see the blood-like pattern on the jade. Is this blood jade related to my identity?

Lilian… Is this the name of the jade’s owner?

There were so many questions in Jessica’s head which made her restless.

She was unable to sleep.

After some time, Jessica sat up and took the jade out of the drawer.

The blood jade must be the key to sorting this all out.

Jessica picked up her phone and dialed Samantha’s number.

“Who’s this?” Samantha answered in a daze.

“It’s me.”

Samantha instantly answered, “Jess, why did you call me at this hour? Don’t tell me you wanna chat with me. I need my beauty sleep.”

Jessica ignored her and said, “Do you know any jade experts?”

Samantha rubbed her eyes, “Jade? Yeah, my uncle collects and studies jade, especially the rare ones.”

“Where does he live? Could you contact him as soon as possible?”

“Why? You have a jade to sell?”

“I need his help to evaluate a piece of jade.”

“Alright, it’s late. I’ll contact him tomorrow morning.”

“Okay, thanks. Sweet dreams.”

After hanging up, Samantha fell asleep quickly.

The next morning, Samantha called Jessica.

“Jess, I’ve contacted my uncle. He said he can help you evaluate the jade, so we have to visit him in Marsingfill.” “All right, we’ll go there today.”

“You don’t have to be in such a hurry, though,” Samantha said in surprise.

“I really am in a hurry.”

“It’ll take two to three hours to reach Marsingfill from

Horington. I’ll ask my uncle if he’s free tonight. If he isn’t, we’ Il visit him tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay.”

They drove to Marsingfill in the afternoon.

During the journey, Samantha asked curiously, “What kind of jade do you have?”

Jessica took out the blood jade from the wooden box and showed it to Samantha.

Samantha took the jade and looked at it closely. After a while, she said, “I’m not an expert, but this is high-quality jade. This kind of rare jade is mostly kept as family heirlooms or are properties of jade collectors and jade sellers.”

“It’s really beautiful! It’s translucent and has a rare blood-like pattern. It seems a bit fake at a glance.”

But it wasn’t, of course.

Samantha put the jade back into the wooden box carefully.

Since Jessy cherished the blood jade so much, it must be of significant importance to her.

Chapter 348

Marsingfill was the economic center of the country and also the most prosperous city, where people lived at a fast pace and always under high pressure.

One would feel insignificant standing among the tall buildings of the city.

Jessica and Samantha stayed in a suite at a five-star hotel – a fact that distressed Jessica due to the extravagant price.

“We can stay in a standard room.”

Samantha took the keycard and smirked, “It’s okay; Uncle Charles owns this place. We can stay here for as long as we want.”

Hearing that, Jessica remained quiet.

Rich people should be robbed, thought Jessica with raised brows.

Ding! The elevator opened. Just as the girls walked out, two bodyguards blocked their way.

“What?” Samantha scowled.

“Ladies, this floor is reserved. Please leave.”

Jessica’s and Samantha’s eyes met.

Samantha laughed, “How come I didn’t know it’s reserved, sir?”

The bodyguard said patiently, “Young lady, as a fan, you should restrain yourself. Celebrities are just normal people. Please leave now. If not, I’ll call the security guard.”

Samantha took out her keycard and said, “Look closely; this is my keycard. We are staying in this hotel.”

The two bodyguards realized the girls were guests, so they let them through.

Samantha asked curiously, “Tell me, who stays here tonight?”

The bodyguards didn’t answer them and watched as the girls entered their room. When they saw the keycard worked, they were instantly relieved.

At that moment, the door to the opposite suite opened. Jack walked out and saw Jessica.

“Jessy!”

The girls looked back.

Samantha was star-struck.

“Jack, it’s you!” Jessica was surprised.

The bodyguards then quietly left.

Jack grumbled, “Why didn’t you tell me you’re coming to Marsingfill?”

“I just arrived here today.”

When Matthew noticed Jack having the urge to stay and talk, he quickly interrupted, “Jack, the car is waiting downstairs. You should leave before it’s too late.”

Jack glared at his manager before smiling at Jessica. How long do you plan to stay at Marsingfill? I’m filming here. You can visit me on set.”

Jessica was about to refuse, but Samantha tugged her shirt pleadingly. Seeing how desperate her friend looked, Jessica had no choice but to agree with a nod, “Sure, I’ll call you when I’m done with my business.”

“It’s settled then.” After that, Jack left with Matthew.

When Jack left, Samantha hugged Jessica tightly “Jessy, you’re my lucky charm! Now I can meet my idol Jack every day. We should stay at Marsingfill for the whole summer holiday. We’ll just come home once the new semester starts.’

Jessica kept quiet and walked into the suite. She disagreed with Samantha’s crazy suggestion as she still had tons of things to do.

Jack returned to the hotel at midnight. As he was about to knock on Jessica’s door, Matthew stopped him.

“Jack, it’s 11:00. The girls need to sleep. If you get caught leaving their room, you’ll get her into trouble.”

Chapter 349

Jack retracted his hands and cocked his brows. “Then it should be okay to have breakfast with her, right?” He looked as though he would barge into Jessica’s room if his manager dared to say no.

Exasperated by his reaction, Matthew compiled and muttered repeatedly, “Sure, sure.”

He couldn’t understand how Jack could give everyone the cold shoulder but showed such great interest in Jessica. The arrogance of this little girl had far superseded his team of artists.

Jack showed up on time the following day. He rang the doorbell and knocked on the door excitedly, but no one answered.

“What’s going on?”

Matthew pointed to the screen beside them. “There’s no one inside. They may have left.”

Jack scrunched his eyebrows and glanced at the time. It was only 7.30 in the morning. They’re usually lazing on the bed at this hour. What the heck is going on?

Nevertheless, Jack was destined to be disappointed.

On the other hand, Matthew felt relieved because they had just avoided making the headlines with a scandal.

Meanwhile, both Jessica and Samantha arrived at the Hoffman Cafe and were led to the VIP lounge.

Upon opening the door, they saw there was already someone inside.

A middle-aged gentleman was brewing his coffee. Not bothering to spare a glance at them, the man simply said, ” Please take a seat.”

Both of them proceeded to sit opposite the man.

“Uncle Calvin,” Samantha greeted.

Calvin lifted his head to look at the girls and smiled. “I suppose you girls haven’t had breakfast yet. Let’s talk after you eat.”

“Okay.”

The waiter started serving the dishes, which were all in small portions. Despite the portion, there were so many varieties of dishes that it was enough to fill their tummies. The dishes were plated in a luxurious and elegant manner, as though they were in fine dining.

As soon as they finished, the waiters cleared everything and turned the lounge into a parlor.

Samantha could sense Jessica’s anxiousness, so she initiated the conversation without hesitating. “Uncle Calvin, please take a look at my friend’s jade.”

Calvin turned his attention to Jessica. “May 1?” he humbly asked.

Jessica placed the wooden box on the table. She took the blood jade out and handed it to Calvin.

A wave of excitement rushed over Calvin as soon as he felt the jade on his palm. He took out a magnifying glass from his pocket and started examining the jade while both girls waited patiently in silence.

It took a moment for Calvin to examine the blood jade, and when he was done, he placed it back on the table and explained, “This blood jade of yours was cut out from a larger piece of the same stone. Although it is not an ancient one, it’s one of the rarest kinds because its red marbling is well and evenly distributed.” Then he sighed, “Its only flaw is that its craftmanship is bad. What a waste on a good piece of rare jade.”

“Are you planning to sell this jade? If you are, I can offer you a good price.”

Jessica shook her head. “I’m not planning to sell it. I want to ask if you’ve seen this kind of jade before? Or would you be able to recognize who the artisan is?”

Jessica knew she would be one step closer to the truth if she could find the person who made this jade.

Calvin was bummed.

He did know many famous artisans, but the quality of the jade’s craftsmanship was obviously way behind the skills of a master craftsman.

“I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for you. The person who crafted this piece of jade is obviously a beginner at best. A good jade like this should not be given to a greenhorn. So there could be only one possibility – the artisan himself is the one who owns this jade.”

Chapter 350

“Then this artisan is the very person I’m looking for since he is the owner of this jade. I’m wondering if you have any idea who it may be?”

“That’s going to be hard. There aren’t many who own such a rare piece of jade, but it is still quite a handful. A lot of them would rather have them for safekeeping. Hence, we won’t even know if there’s more of them out there.”

“Please, Uncle Calvin, you need to help Jess figure out who it is. This means a lot to her,” Samantha pleaded.

Samantha roughly knew how important the blood jade was to Jessica.

Calvin stared at the two for a short while before he

chuckled. “Alright, alright. I’ll do what I can. Mind if I take a picture or two?”

“Please.”

Calvin had his assistant take a few pictures of the blood jade.

“I’ll head on first to the Jewelry and Jade Association to ask around. I’ll let you guys know if I get anything from them.” “Thank you, Mr. Calvin,” Jessica responded meekly.

“Thank you so much, Uncle Calvin. Whatever you want to eat today, it’s all on me,” Samantha thanked him profusely. Calvin chuckled again. “You silly girl.”

“Uncle Calvin, ee…-if anyone asks about this, please don’t tell them anything,” Jessica suddenly blurted out before leaving the room.

Calvin paused in confusion. Seemed like she doesn’t really want to know who the jade’s artisan is.

“I only want to know who’s the artisan who owns this jade without letting anyone know about my existence,” Jessica explained to Calvin as she noticed the puzzlement in his eyes.

“I understand,” replied Calvin.

“Thank you, Uncle Calvin.”

After bidding their farewell to Calvin, the girls went to Goldberg Tower for their dinner.

Samantha was acting oddly throughout the dinner. She gazed at Jessica from time to time, as though she wanted to say something to her.

“Just ask me what you want to know. You don’t have to stuff it all inside,” Jessica huffed, breaking the silence between them.

“Jess, the blood jade, is it related to your past?” A wave of relief came upon Samantha when she could finally ask the question.

Jessica had this wild guess herself but was unsure if the blood jade was actually related to her. “Maybe, but I don’t really know either.”

Samantha held Jessica’s wrist in reassurance after hearing her reply. “Don’t worry, Jess. We’re in this together. If Uncle Calvin doesn’t have any updates, we can always go to Uncle Charles. Heck, I can even go to my dad. Although he’s a selfish and bossy man, I think he’ll be able to help us.”

Jessica looked at Samantha and gave her a smile. No matter how much she hated her dad, there was always a certain glimmer in her eyes when she talked about him.

Samantha actually loved her dad.

“There is no need to approach them for now. Let’s just wait if there is any news from Uncle Calvin.”

Jessica didn’t want to overdo it by letting too many people know what had been going on.

“Samantha, please don’t tell this to anyone else, including Charles.”

Samantha nodded.

At the same time, Calvin acted quickly and sent the photos to the Jewelry and Jade Association.

I got my hands on a good piece of jade today. It’s such a shame that the craftmanship was bad though.

Can any of you recognize whose handiwork is this?

Calvin managed to attract a lot of attention from members of the Association after sending the photos out.

One of the older members was surprised after looking at the photos.

Calvin, this handiwork looks familiar, but I can’t recall where I’ve last seen it.

David saw it, then someone must’ve crafted it before he or she became famous.

People began to gossip about the matter.

Meanwhile, in the Marsingfill office of Fairview Investment, Brandon opened the door and walked into the Chairman’s office at a fast and steady pace.

“Mr. Ferguson, the blood jade that you tasked me to be on the lookout for has made its appearance.”

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Chapter 331

Zachary called out, “Mr. Zimmer, you are my dad’s best friend.”

Conflicted, Mr. Zimmer sheepishly replied, “Zachary, my family’s life depends on this company. Your dad is indeed a good friend of mine, but a person of his age should have retired. You should understand this and be considerate to your father.”

How the tides have turned!

Realizing how realistic people could be, Zachary was so mad that he clenched his fist.

“Unanimous approval.” Jessica cheekily continued, “Now that Mr. Larson is no longer the director, we need someone to fill in the void. I humbly appoint myself as the next candidate. Does everyone approve of this suggestion? Show of hands if you agree.”

Zachary was the first to reject. “I object.”

Jessica and the rest of the shareholders ignored him. At this point, the Larson family was oblivious to them. If James Larson was here today, things might have been different. The shareholders might be more cautious and respectful. However, no one really cared about a prodigal like Zachary.

Bradley declared, “If I still had my shares, I would support Jessica.”

The shareholders who sold her their shares nodded in agreement as well.

As everyone was lingering, Xenon put up his hand. “I agree.”

He owned 8 percent of the shares and was the second major shareholder in the company way before Jessica joined.

The result of the notion was evident, given that Xenon and Jessica held the vast majority of shares.

The rest of the shareholders raised their hands right after

Xenon voiced his support.

Excluding Zachary’s objection, it was a unanimous approval.

Bradley was the first to lead the applause. “Congratulations, Ms. Jessica. You are now the Chairman of Larson Group.”

The rest started clapping along.

Some even flattered her. “Ms. Jessica, you are the youngest chairman in this city. A promising young lady indeed.”

Zachary’s face darkened as he glared at those ungrateful old farts.

He looked at the bodyguards towering in front of him and spat out, “Get out of the way!”

Now that the group had a new head, the Larson family had no point dwelling any further, as that would only bring more shame to themselves.

Yet, the bodyguards stood still. Without Jessica’s orders, the Larson family wasn’t getting out of the conference room.

Jessica had planned and waited long for this day to come. She wanted the Larson family to be there to see this. Fueled with rage, Zachary stepped forward and hurled a punch at the bodyguard.

The bodyguard caught his fist straight away, gave him a shoulder throw, and tossed him on the ground. Zachary thudded onto the ground as he curled into a ball, feeling pain and agony.

The shareholders could tell that these bodyguards received specialized training.

On the surface, they might look like your ordinary bodyguards, but it was different the moment they made their move.

Charles knew that she was attending the shareholders’ meeting, so he ordered the bodyguards to accompany her.

He probably said something like this to convince her. “Just take them with you. They will come in handy when someone is not trying to play nice. Everyone will be on their best behavior if they see these bodyguards.”

And just like that, Jessica brought the bodyguards along with her.

As for Jensen, she had coincidentally met him on his business trip to Horington. Knowing that she was heading for the meeting, he decided to tag along.

Ironically, that was how Jessica’s team was formed.

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Whitney rushed forward to help Zachary. Then she angrily yelled, “Jessica, how could you do this to Zachary? What is the matter with you?”

Jessica smirked. “It is called self-defense. Consult my attorney, Mr. Shaw, if you don’t know.”

Jensen adjusted his sunglasses and with a cheeky demeanor, he calmly responded, “Ms. Jessica’s right. Ms. Larson, I’m surprised you know so little about the law.

Maybe you should read more.”

Bradley stared at Jensen and tried to figure out who he was. Suddenly, a person came to mind.

He always found him familiar, but he couldn’t recall anything at all.

“You are Jensen, Jensen Shaw, the lawyer.” Bradley pointed at him and spoke excitedly.

No one in the crowd knew the name, Mr. Shaw.

But Jensen Shaw, now that was different.

And the reason was that he was the Chief Counsel of Fairview Investment. He was also a legend within the legal industry of Marsingfill.

He was so well known that everyone was looking for him to be their lawyer.

Yet a prominent figure like him showed up beside Jessica, which went without saying that she had connections.

And it seemed like Jessica was fairly close to the Ferguson family, seeing that even Jensen Shaw was here to accompany her.

The bodyguards were probably hired by the Ferguson family.

Everyone started introducing themselves to Jensen. Some even requested him to be their lawyer.

Jensen smiled and replied, “I’m here today as Ms. Jessica’s exclusive attorney. Non-related business shall be discussed another day.”

“Yes, yes, yes. I agree.”

The rest nodded in agreement.

As the ruckus died down, Jensen continued, “Given that the poor reputation of the Larson family will affect the company’s future development, my client proposes that we rename the company.”

Now this was truly Jessica’s moment of vengeance!

Not only did she intend to get rid of the Larson family, she also wanted to change the company’s name as well.

Bringing down Larson Group could have been an easier task, but it would not have brought her the same satisfaction as it did now.

The Larson family could only watch from afar, helpless and aggrieved as she took over the company. She would slowly torment and mock them for their failures.

Julianna stared at Jessica in disbelief. “How could you do this to us?”

Zachary broke away from Whitney’s hold and stormed toward Jessica. But he was immediately held down by the bodyguards.

“Jessica, you wicked bitch! If you dare to rename the company, I’ll come back for you. I promise.”

“Let go of me! Let go!” Zachary kept on struggling but to no avail.

Paying no attention to him at all, Jensen turned toward the directors. “All in favor, please raise your hands.”

There was no hesitation this time as everyone put up their hands.

Renaming the company was not big a deal to them now that a new chairman was appointed.

Besides, it was the Ferguson family that backed her. Having their support meant more business and more money for the company.

Nobody would be able to resist when it came to money.

Bradley and the ex-shareholders who sold off their shares must have regretted their actions.

“Unanimous approval!”

The Larson family looked defeated.

Xenon asked, “Ms. Stone, what shall we rename it?”

“Stardust,” Jessica answered without haste.

From then on, Larson Group was known as Stardust Corporation.

And the Larson Group would become history!

Chapter 333

No matter how much the Larson family resisted, they could not change the fact that they had lost control of the

Larson Group.

Dejected, Zachary and the others left.

An email was sent to every Larson Group employee on behalf of the board of directors after the meeting.

“Oh no! Larson Group is completely changing things up!” exclaimed one of the employees after reading the email. “My goodness! The Chairman’s position will be passed to Jessica Stone. Why does the name sound so familiar?” another employee mused.

A third person piped up, “I remember now. Isn’t she Ms. Jessica?”

“That’s ancient history. Ms. Jessica isn’t the Chairman’s daughter,” someone else scoffed.

“Then how did this happen?” yet another employee asked. Everyone was puzzled.

Someone sighed and said, “Who knows what goes on in wealthy families? Ms. Jessica is amazing. She usually keeps such a low profile, but now she’s going to become the Chairman.”

Meanwhile, oblivious to the employees’ chatter, Jessica had opened the door to the Chairman’s office.

While the employees were curious about their new Chairman, she walked around the office nonchalantly. “This office needs some renovating,” Jensen remarked. “You’re right. Oh, the new sign I asked to get done should have arrived. Care to join me to check it out?” Jessica asked.

“Of course.”

When they went down to the building’s entrance, they saw Zachary attempting to stop the workers from installing the new sign.

The security guards stood to one side, not daring to do anything.

Disgruntled, one of the workers asked, “What’s going on here? We were supposed to change the sign today, but now you’re saying that we can’t.”

“This is my company. Who said that you could change it? Give that to me,” Zachary demanded, reaching out to grab the sign.

The workers stopped him. “That’s what you claim. Are you Ms. Jessica? If you’re not, why should I give it to you?”

“So you’re refusing to give it to me, huh? Then I’ll break it.” With that, Zachary raised his leg and was about to give the sign a good, hard kick.

At the wave of Jessica’s hand, the bodyguards behind her hurried forward and shoved him aside.

Furious, Zachary pointed his finger at her and growled, “The name has just been changed, yet you have a new sign ready. You must’ve been planning this for a long time.”

She shrugged and sneered at him. The look in her eyes seemed to taunt him for realizing it too late.

One of the workers went over to her and asked, “You must be Ms. Jessica. So, should we still change the sign?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“All right!” the workers yelled, then got straight down to business.

Julianna, Zachary, and Whitney watched as the men took down the Larson Group sign, and then tossed it onto the ground. The moment it hit the ground, it cracked into two, seeming to mirror the Larson family’s fate.

They were devastated. It was not just the sign that broke, but their hearts as well.

As they looked up at the new sign over their heads that said Stardust Corporation, it felt as if someone was twisting a knife in their hearts.

“Let’s leave,” Julianna finally said.

Whitney took her hand, and they turned to leave when suddenly someone blocked their path.

Jessica smiled as she looked directly at Julianna. “Have you given any thought to my suggestion the other day?” Julianna recalled what Jessica had told her the day she left the Larson residence.

Hmph! Do you think I’ll tell you anything about who you really are? Dream on!

Out of the corner of her eye, Julianna glanced at Jensen. Even though she’s no longer a member of the Larson family, the Ferguson family is still helping her. That makes me so mad!

“I have nothing to say to you,” Julianna replied expressionlessly.

“Aren’t you going to consider it? This is your last chance,” said Jessica, smiling sweetly.

Chapter 334

Julianna’s face was impassive. “I have nothing to say. Get out of my way!”

Jessica shrugged and stepped aside.

The three of them got into their car and left. Jessica narrowed her eyes as she watched the car drive away.

All I want is to track down the truth of the matter, but it’s proving to be more difficult than I had expected. The more Julianna tries to conceal the truth, the more determined I am to find out.

Jensen walked up to her and said, “All this belongs to you now. Guard it well, and I’m sure you’ll flourish.”

“Okay,” she replied. “Thank you for today.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said, waving a hand dismissively.

After Jensen got into his car to return to Marsingfill, he called Hugh.

“Hugh, she’s even more capable than you imagined. I basically didn’t have to do anything,” he said.

“Is that so?” Hugh replied.

“You didn’t see her in action. She was just like how you were back then.” Jensen paused, then asked, “Why do you care about her so much?”

“It’s because she’s similar to how I was back then, just like you said,” Hugh answered.

“Well, it does take one to know one,” he replied with a chuckle. He continued to tease Hugh for a few minutes before he hung up.

Rubbing his temples, he sent a text to Jack.

Jensen texted: I’m helping you keep an eye on your little friend. She’s doing well.

He could not help but notice that both Ferguson brothers cared a lot about Jessica.

I’ve never even seen them care so much about their own sister.

Over at St. Daniel College.

“Have you heard? Jessica is now the Chairman of Larson Group,” a student said in a loud whisper.

“It’s renamed as Stardust Corporation now,” the person next to her added.

“How did she do that?!” the first student exclaimed.

Another student chimed in, “She turned her back on being a beloved daughter of the Larson family and went straight to being a rich woman.”

Jessica walked into the lecture hall. The contemptuous, pitying, and gloating looks the others once threw at her was a thing of the past. Instead, they now looked at her with surprise and admiration.

They admired her capabilities and her methods.

After all, managing a company was no mean feat.

Then Daniel entered the lecture hall. “Do your revision and don’t disturb the others,” he instructed.

When he spotted Jessica, he was relieved to see that she was her usual self. She had her head down and was hard at work doing practice questions.

Meanwhile, Julianna, Zachary, and Whitney went to the detention center to visit James.

Although James looked tired, he was in high spirits.

“How did it go?” he asked eagerly.

All three of them were silent.

“Say something,” he ordered in a low voice, his face darkening. “Did you mess it up?”

Julianna replied, “Honey, let’s talk about the company some other time. We should think of how we’re going to get you out of here first.”

“Dad, that’s not important now. What’s most important is you,” Zachary added.

James did not look pleased. “Tell me! What happened at the shareholder meeting? Did they force the Larson family to step down?”

Pressured by James’ intense gaze, Zachary nodded.

“What did they decide?” James asked grimly.

Before Zachary could tell him, the news came on the television in the corridor.

The news anchor reported, “The Larson Group announced that it has changed its name to Stardust Corporation, and Jessica Stone will be replacing James Larson as Chairman…

Upon hearing that, James swayed unsteadily. Then he pointed his finger at the three of them. “Is this true? Larson Group is gone?”

They looked down at their feet, silent.

James gazed at them. Suddenly, he started coughing up blood and collapsed onto the floor.

All three of them turned pale.

“Honey!” Julianna cried out.

“Dad! Dad!” Zachary and Whitney called out frantically.

There was chaos in the blink of an eye.

回

Chapter 335

James was sent to the hospital immediately.

Some say that when it rains, it pours. When Zachary and Whitney returned to the mansion to pack some change of clothes for the hospital, law enforcement officers had surrounded the property and were about to seal it off.

Zachary rushed up and pushed the officers aside. “What do you think you’re doing?” he demanded.

“Are you the owner of this house?” the officer asked.

“That’s right,” he replied.

“This is the notice of seizure. You’ll find everything you need to know stated on it. If you have any concerns, you may appeal,” explained the officer.

“How can you seize our house just like that? Why weren’t we informed in advance? You’re not complying with the rules at all. I’m going to sue you,” Zachary threatened.

Instead of getting angry, the officer continued to go about his business calmly. “We’ve already notified the owner of this mansion, Mr. James Larson, about it half a month ago. The deadline is today. Please step aside and do not hinder us from carrying out our duties. If you willfully hinder or obstruct any of our law enforcement officers, we have the right to detain you.”

Zachary was furious, but Whitney quickly held his arm.

“Zac, don’t act rashly,” she cautioned.

Then, she turned to the officer and asked, “Could you let us in to get some of our clothes?”

“Yes, but only clothes,” the officer replied. “Everything else will be auctioned off.”

“Okay,” said Whitney.

Two officers followed them into the house to monitor them.

When Zachary saw that they had taped off all the furniture, he had an overwhelming urge to tear them off. However, he forced himself to suppress his feelings.

The sight of the two officers monitoring them irked him further, as it made him feel like a thief in his own house. “You can’t take that,” one of the officers snapped at Whitney. She looked helpless as she mumbled, “Um, but this is my personal item…”

“These things are no longer yours,” the officer replied. “They’ve been recorded as seized items.”

The sight of Whitney getting told off by the officer agitated Zachary even more. He could no longer hold in his rage. “What gives you the right to do that?” he barked.

“Mr. Larson, if you’re not satisfied, you may appeal,” the officer answered coldly.

“You motherfucker!” Zachary shouted.

He rushed forward and aimed a punch at the officer’s face, sending the man’s spectacles flying.

The others hurried to restrain him immediately.

However, Zachary continued to lunge at the officer like a wild animal.

Five minutes later, three or four officers finally managed to hold him down.

The officer who was punched wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said, “Take him away.”

Whitney could only watch as they led Zachary away.

Her face darkened as their car drove off. “That bastard!” she muttered.

When Julianna saw that Whitney had returned to the hospital by herself, she asked curiously, “Where’s Zachary?” Whitney explained everything that had happened.

“Why did he act so rashly at such a time?” Julianna cried out.

Whitney looked down at the unconscious James before saying, “Mom, the Larson family has been crushed. All of our properties, shares, and storefronts have been seized. Since we have nothing to do with these people, why do we have to stay and suffer?”

She dearly wished for James to be dead, so there was no way that she would willingly care for him.

Julianna gazed at James lying on the hospital bed. “

Whitney, this…” she began, sounding torn.

“Do you still have feelings for him?! Look at what happened to Zachary! This man has been with countless women all these years. Has he ever considered your feelings?

Someone like him is not worth your time,” Whitney said, trying to persuade her.

If only we could leave him here and let him fend for himself!

Chapter 336

Julianna looked down at James. There was a smile in her eyes, but she sounded reluctant as she said, “James, Zachary will be here to look after you two days later. In the meantime, get some rest so that you can get well soon.”

After Whitney had dragged Julianna out of the room, James opened his eyes. He felt saddened.

Even in a marriage, it was every man for himself.

As he looked around the empty room, he felt an overwhelming sense of sorrow.

However, he barely had time to wallow in his sadness when the door to his room opened once more, and in walked a group of the Larson family.

“James!” Jacob said as he walked forward.

Behind him, Jackson asked, “James, how are you feeling?”

James was happy to see his brothers. Indeed, blood was thicker than water.

“This won’t kill me.”

Jacob’s son could not help asking, “Uncle James, we heard that the bank confiscated all the Larson family’s properties and shares. Is it true?”

Everyone fixed their eyes on James, and his heart sank as he looked back at them.

They’re not here because they love me, nor because they’re worried about me. They’re only here for the money.

Seeing that he remained silent, some of them started getting anxious.

“Uncle James, why aren’t you saying anything? Is it true or not? We’re all entitled to a portion of the company’s shares, but now it seems that we won’t get any shares at all. That doesn’t sound right, does it?” his nephew continued.

James felt his blood boil as the youngster barraged him with questions while Jacob stood by doing nothing.

When have I ever been this questioned, and by someone younger than me, no less?

“Those shares belong to me, so I don’t need to explain anything to you,” he answered coldly.

“Uncle James, that’s where you’re wrong. Grandpa only gave you those shares to ensure that you were the controlling shareholder, but it doesn’t mean that you really own all those shares. They belong to my father and Uncle Jackson as well,” Jacob’s eldest son protested.

“He’s right. The company’s shares belong to both of our families as well. We have the right to know what happened to them,” added Jacob’s second son.

James ignored them. Glaring at Jacob and Jackson, he growled, “Get out!”

“James, they’re right. We want a clear explanation about this,” Jackson pressed.

James looked at them, his chest heaving with anger. “Okay, very well. Let me tell you this. Everything’s gone. There’s nothing left.”

“James, you always loved a good laugh. These two young ones don’t know any better, and they spoke out of turn. I’l| reprimand them later. With the stock prices going up, we should seize the opportunity to let go of our shares. After all, the fact that Jessica is now the Chairman is no laughing matter,” Jacob said with a smile.

As far as he could remember, James was someone who liked to leave room for maneuvering. There was no way that he would have been unprepared and allowed the family business to fall.

“If you’re here today to get your shares, you’ll be sorely disappointed. One year ago, the company had trouble with its capital flow. We’ve only managed to keep the company afloat by mortgaging out shares. There was quite a bit of money before, but Justin took it all. If you’re after money, he’s your man,” James replied bitterly.

Justin was cunning, so he had made preparations as soon as he got a whiff of something amiss.

Jackson and Jacob had only rushed over when they knew that James had been admitted to the hospital because they wanted money.

Jackson sat down on the bed and looked directly at James. “James, don’t you think we know you well enough? Don’t try to hide it anymore. You have to give us our money today, no matter what. If you don’t, we won’t leave,” he said firmly.

Chapter 337

“You can check it on your own if you don’t believe me. It’s no use for you to keep forcing me. If you wish to continue staying here, do as you like,” James snapped.

The atmosphere in the ward was tense.

“Why are there so many people here?” A nurse came in and broke the ice.

After the nurse had checked James’ temperature, she said to the crowd, “Don’t stay here for too long. The patient needs to rest.”

James closed his eyes and ignored them after she left.

Each of the two families had sent two people to guard James.

They planned to keep a close watch on him until he disclosed the information.

James was like a prisoner being watched by his own family.

What is family love? There’s no affection left when it comes to money.

James was dejected. He only hoped that his son could get out earlier.

On the other hand, Julianna brought Whitney back to the Quail family and was shoved with sarcastic remarks. Fortunately, they did not get kicked out of the family.

The days spent staying under someone’s roof weren’t pleasant. However, Julianna and Whitney no longer had any other choice. They could only put up with the current situation.

At St. Daniel College, Jessica closed her book. This would be the last time she attended a class here. After today, she had to part with this school.

She looked at the seat beside her; she hadn’t seen it occupied since that day.

Daisy walked into the classroom and saw Jessica staring at the empty seat. “I heard that Xander was sent to study abroad by his father. I guess he won’t be here for the graduation ceremony.”

“Let’s go and look at this school for the one last time!” answered Jessica.

The three ladies walked on the green path and bathed in the warmth of the early summer.

Daisy was reluctant to part with them. “I want to stay in this country and study at the same school as you two.”

It would be difficult for them to attend the same school, as Daisy’s result wasn’t as good as theirs. Besides, her parents had made arrangements for her to study abroad, so she had no choice but to obey.

Samantha patted her shoulder and said, “It’s fine. Jess and I will visit you when we have the time. We will treat it as a holiday!”

“I will also return and visit both of you,” said Daisy with reddened eyes. She was really lucky to have made two close friends.

But she had to leave tomorrow!

Jessica and Samantha opened their arms.

The three of them hugged each other tightly.

That night, they went to Mount Emerald to enjoy the night view. They ate barbecue with wine and watched the brightly lit city. They even sang their favorite songs and talked about their futures.

They got themselves drunk that night.

It’s time for them to part with each other and move on to another stage of their lives.

When the first ray of sunlight rose from the horizon, the sky was dyed red, and the earth looked golden.

A chauffeur was standing beside a luxury car and waiting for Daisy.

“Don’t you dare forget about me,” said Daisy as she turned to Jessica and Samantha. Then planted a kiss on their foreheads.

“We won’t.”

They hugged each other farewell. Daisy walked toward the car and looked back once more at the two hazy figures in the golden rays.

“Ms. Leonard, we are in a rush.”

Daisy nodded and got into the car.

The car left slowly after its doors were shut.

Jessica and Samantha’s eyes followed the black car until it had completely disappeared from their field of vision.

Chapter 338

Jessica was stirring her coffee while looking out from the cafe window. She wasn’t focusing on anything in particular.

She glanced at her watch and found that it was three minutes before the appointed time.

As the Chairman of the Stardust Corporation, she couldn’t possibly do everything by herself.

She had hired a head-hunting company to look for a professional manager to run the company.

She did have some impressions of the person who the head-hunting company had recommended to her.

After three minutes, the person she was expecting still didn’t appear.

Jessica raised her eyebrows and put down the stirrer.

“Waiter, bill please.”

Jessica took a credit card from her wallet.

“Kindly wait for a while.”

A man’s grumpy voice came from behind the booth. “I will give you the money, so stop pressing me. As I have said, I will come up with a solution. Even though the Larson family has fallen, she still belongs to the Quail family. After serving her for years, I can guarantee you that she wouldn’t dare to not give me the money. Don’t worry – I will transfer the money to you in these few days.”

The waiter walked toward Jessica to return her card.

However, Jessica didn’t get up from her seat.

Not long after, the man behind the booth took his coffee and left. Jessica took a photo of him when he passed by her seat.

“Investigate a person for me as quick as possible. I am sending the photo to your email.”

Jessica was ready to leave after hanging up the phone.

A man in a fine suit was walking toward the cafe. His smile became more arrogant when he thought Jessica was welcoming him as he saw her stand up.

“You are Ms. Stone, right? My name is Steven Smith,” he said confidently while he extended his hand. From his expression, he didn’t seem like he was there as an interviewee but as an interviewer.

Jessica did not shake his hand. “You’re five minutes late,” she said to him.

Steven smiled and explained himself, “Sorry for being late. There’s a traffic jam on the road.”

Jessica gave a polite smile and said, “The coffee here is quite nice. You should give it a try before leaving.”

Then, she left the cafe.

Steven was startled. He questioned, “Ms. Stone, what do you mean?”

“I hate people who are late.”

“I have told you the reason.” In his opinion, he had given her enough respect just by coming here. He thought that Jessica should at least return the same amount of respect to him.

He had never expected her to be this arrogant and irrational.

“Ha! Reason? Your company is just fifteen minutes away from here. I could tell that you just walked here by looking at the sweat on your face. A person like you who does not know the importance of punctuality and is full of lies has no value to me,” said Jessica as she laughed sarcastically. Steven was angered. “I have no value? Do you know how many companies are headhunting me with better offers? Do you think I will care to get into your shabby company?” “You are undeniably outstanding. However, I value people with integrity more.”

Jessica then left without talking to him anymore.

That evening, she received an email.

George, male, 28 years old, unemployed, currently living at Roseate Apartment, supported by a sugar mommy all year long, promiscuous private life…

“George.”

It’s time for me to meet him. I couldn’t get any information from Julianna, but I might get some from him.

Jessica dialed George, but the call wasn’t answered for a long time. Just as she was about to hang up, a man’s grumpy voice was heard on the phone.

“Who is this? Say whatever you have gotta say, or else I am hanging up.”

Chapter 339

“I’ve got a business opportunity for you. Are you interested?” “Perhaps you called the wrong number?” responded George politely since she had a pleasant voice.

“George Evans. Male. Twenty-eight years old. You’re currently living at Roseate Apartment. You’re romantically involved with three women, as well as a wealthy woman. Do you want me to elaborate further?”

“Who are you? And what do you want?” he immediately turned vigilant and asked.

“Don’t be nervous. I’m here to make a deal with you. After it’s done, you will be rewarded handsomely.”

“What do you want?”

“Your only task is to trick Julianna into disclosing why she claimed her adopted daughter was her biological daughter.”

“You’re the second daughter of the Larson family!” he yelled. “No, I’m not.”

Hearing that, he smacked his head and responded, Whatever. So you want to know the truth. I can accept your deal, but how much are you offering me?”

“30 thousand dollars!”

“That’s way too little! Ms. Stone, you’re the Chairman of Stardust Corporation. Surely you can offer more than that!” he exclaimed in high spirits.

“Name your price.”

“150 thousand dollars.”

This is basically daylight robbery!

After hearing his price, Jessica replied unenthusiastically, 75 thousand dollars. I’ll deposit it within one month.”

“That’s not enough,” he refused her, even though he was tempted.

“Deal or no deal? No more discussion.”

“Deal.” He gritted his teeth.

“Just give this number a call whenever you have anything to say.”

“All right.”

As soon as George hung up, he was pleased and excited. Finally, he didn’t have to worry about money anymore for the time being.

All he needed to do was to trick that old woman into spilling the information so he could get his money quickly.

The next moment, he took out another phone and dialed Julianna’s number, but she did not answer.

Eventually, he resorted to messaging her after she refused to answer his call numerous times.

Honey, I’ve got a serious matter to discuss with you. Please, reply to my message. I love you.

At that moment, he knew she was aware that he called, but she refused to pick up the phone.

Thus, he had to reveal his trump card.

As expected, his phone rang five minutes later.

“What do you want?” Julianna asked coldly.

After he assisted her in getting rid of Joseph, his insatiable greed worsened.

He asked for money more frequently as time passed.

“Honey, please don’t be so cold to me! I just wanted to see you. Let’s meet at the Legacy Hotel.”

“I’m occupied right now.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not asking for money. It’s just that I miss you very much. I’ll meet you there at 8 p.m.”

Immediately afterward, he hung up before she could refuse him.

Of course, she would never trust him, yet she had no choice but to meet him.

Later that night, she met up with him at the Legacy Hotel. Initially, Julianna tried to put her guard up. Nevertheless, George had been very caring toward her and never asked for money throughout their conversation.

For that reason, she was wary of him even more. However, she was conquered by him shortly afterward.

After they had an intimate moment, he massaged her shoulder. Noticing her blissful face, he knew it was time for him to execute his plan.

“I’ve heard that the daughter you adopted previously is not your biological daughter. Is that true?” he questioned with a puzzled look.

“Yes, it’s true,” she narrowed her eyes and answered honestly.

It had been a long while since she could relax and enjoy herself.

“If she’s not your biological daughter, why did you still accept her into the family?” he continued to ask with a surprised look.

Chapter 340

In an instant, she opened her eyes, and her mind was clear.

The man who was massaging her from behind did not sense anything unusual about her.

“Why are you asking about this?” Julianna queried leisurely.

“I’m just asking out of curiosity,” George replied patiently, but in reality, he was impatient.

Just answers my question already!

“Okay,” she muttered.

After she replied, their conversation ended.

Unable to restrain his curiosity, he continued to ask, “What’s the reason? Please tell me to satisfy my curiosity.”

“You usually don’t ask so many questions.”

“Do I?” He sounded a little guilty.

Shortly afterward, she sneered. “It’s just a misunderstanding caused by someone who messed up the

DNA report.”

“I see.” He remained silent after he got the answers he wanted.

At that moment, she knew he was up to something when he decided not to pursue the matter.

Since he didn’t ask for money tonight, someone else must have offered him a large amount of money.

Hence, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the massage.

The next day, George left the hotel with his body aching all over. After he separated from Julianna, he immediately dialed Jessica’s number.

“Ms. Stone, I’ve gotten the answer. Where’s the money?” he inquired excitedly.

“I’ll deposit it to you now.”

“Good. Since you agreed instantly, I’ll tell you right now.

Someone messed up the DNA report in the past.”

“Idiot!” Jessica said coldly.

“What the heck!” He was unhappy with her reply. “You’d better pay me since I’ve already done my job. Or else, I won’t let you get away easily.”

“I finally understand why Julianna decided to be your sugar mommy for such a long time. With your intelligence, even a monkey can deceive you without trying.”

Hearing that, he got infuriated. “You must have a death wish!”

“Idiot! Do you really think what you just told me is worth 75 thousand dollars?” As expected, she had to be straightforward while talking to brainless people.

Finally, he noticed that something was wrong and shouted, Darn it! She tricked me! I’ll try again tomorrow, so please don’t worry.”

Holding her phone tightly, she explained, “No need. You’ll only get deceived by her again. She already knows what you’re up to.”

“What about my money?”

“No more.”

Unwilling to give up on the money, he said anxiously, “Wait, don’t hang up. I know another secret of hers.”

“And what is it?”

“Can I still get the money if I tell you?”

“Depends on how much the secret is worth.”

“You know she had a brother named Joseph, right? Last month, she bribed a driver to pretend to drive under the influence and run him over.”

“I knew this a long time ago.”

“What? You already knew it?” His response was one of complete disbelief.

“I’m not an idiot like you.”

He was rendered speechless by her comment.

“Anything else? I’m going to hang up the phone now.”

“Yes. She requested me to look for a wooden box located at Joseph’s house. I tried to sneak into the house a few times to search for it but to no avail. Is this news useful for you?” he inquired nervously.

At that moment, he regretted that he did not find out more of Julianna’s secret. Otherwise, he would have earned a great deal of money.

“A wooden box?” she murmured.

र金

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Chapter 321

Jessica felt nonplussed when the electricity went out in her room.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

She opened the door to see a delivery man. “How may I help you?”

“Are you Jessica?”

“Yes, I am.”

He pointed at the bedding sets behind him and said, “These are the items that you have ordered.”

It can’t be! Not again!

She immediately called Charles after the deliveryman left. At that moment, Charles was in a video conference. When his phone rang, he glanced at the caller ID and said, “We’ll take a ten-minute break.”

The senior executives on the call watched as he left to answer his phone.

“What’s wrong?”

“Charles, I appreciate your generosity. You don’t have to send me any more items. I might not have a place to sleep if you keep sending things over.”

Charles chuckled. “Is the bedding set occupying a lot of space? You can consider moving out if the room is too small.”

Jessica was shocked.

“You weren’t the one who sent me the home appliances?” she asked.

“No, it wasn’t me.”

Who could have sent them?

“You’ll be sitting for your SAT in a month. You better get some rest. Let me know if the bedding set is uncomfortable.”

“All right. Thanks, Charles.”

She could not understand why Charles kept denying that he sent the items.

Just then, she received a text message from Daisy.

Daisy texted: Jess, did you like the home appliances that I sent you? I chose the most expensive one for you. If you don’t like it, I’ll have it changed for you.

So it was Daisy who sent them.

Jessica was baffled.

Jessica texted: My room is too small. I won’t be able to use the home appliances. You can take it away tomorrow.

Daisy texted: Sob! Did I cause you any trouble?

Jessica texted: It’s all right.

As they continued chatting, Jessica decided to keep some of the home appliances and return the rest.

Daisy texted: Actually, there’s some space in your house. You can leave the appliances there in case you want to use them next time. I didn’t spend a dime because the electrical supply store belongs to my family.

Jessica was speechless.

She’s a spendthrift!

Jessica texted: You can say stuff like this to me, but not to other people. You’ll get scolded.

Daisy heaved a sigh of relief when Jessica joked with her. She was afraid that Jessica would be upset.

After all, Jessica was devastated when she thought that she had finally found her biological parents. In the end, it was just false hope.

Even though Jessica looked calm, they knew that she was still sad.

After ending the call with Daisy, Jessica smiled.

She could feel the warmth and care that Daisy gave her. She enjoyed the feeling.

Initially, she had planned to revise her work, but a thought came to her mind. She picked up her mobile phone to type a text message.

स

Meanwhile, in the VIP lounge of a famous restaurant in Marsingfill, Hugh opened a text message on his personal mobile phone.

Jessica texted: Thank you! Brickton Corporation will not disappoint you.

Hugh broke into a grin.

The man in front of him was surprised.

He was curious about the message that made Hugh so elated.

Chapter 322

Hugh started typing his reply after giving it a thought. Hugh texted: You’re welcome. You deserve it.

His eyebrows furrowed. He proceeded to delete the sentence.

Then, he started typing a new sentence.

After making sure that there was no error, he sent the message.

Hugh texted: You’re welcome.

Jessica threw her mobile phone onto the table after reading Hugh’s reply. She prepared the bedding set and tidied up her room.

She did not know that Hugh had given the message a long thought. He thought that Jessica would send him a reply, but there was no response from her.

After a busy night, Jessica finally went to bed. The bedding set that Charles chose is very comfortable. They are even better than the ones at the Larson residence.

Even though she did not have a luxurious or spacious room, she felt warmth and comfort.

In the small, dilapidated room, her heart was brimming with love from her friends.

She could finally sleep at ease.

Ever since she returned, that was the first night that she slept well.

The next day, she sat up on her bed and glanced at her clock. It was already 7 a.m.

Shit! I’m going to be late!

She immediately got out of bed to wash up.

She hurriedly took her handbag and headed downstairs.

Just as she exited the stairwell, she saw two young girls standing under a tree.

They waved at her.

The sunlight shone on them, and the bright smiles on their faces brought warmth to her heart.

“Good morning, Jess.”

They approached and stood beside her.

“The three of us will be taking the bus to school today. Are you excited?” asked Daisy cheekily.

“Of course.”

“You’ll have to lead the way because we’re not familiar with the roads here. Let’s go. We’re going to be late,” said

Samantha.

Smiling, Jessica responded, “The bus will be arriving at the bus stop in three minutes. It’ll take us five minutes to walk to the bus stop. We’ll have to…”

“Run!”

Samantha and Daisy took off instantly, leaving Jessica behind. She chuckled and quickly ran after them.

Nearby, a black Rolls-Royce was parked by the roadside. The man inside the car watched as the sunlight shone on the three young girls. He could not help but smile.

“Let’s go,” instructed Charles.

The car slowly sped away.

After the third day of financing, Jessica finally received the transaction in her bank account. Her eyes shone with excitement.

The game ends here!

She sent the video that she had prepared earlier to the mass media.

The video was titled The Rich Man’s Immoral Act for Money.

That shocking header would instantly attract the attention of the netizens.

Initially, they thought that it was either a rich woman or vice versa.

However, they had never expected it to be a rich man together with another man.

The netizens were appalled and disgusted to the point of throwing up.

Yet, they continued sharing the video with their friends.

Soon, the video became viral on the Internet.

Chapter 323

The netizens definitely won’t let off the truth.

Soon, the news that the Larson Group’s Chairman sacrificed himself in his fifties to get remuneration had made a big splash on the internet.

James became famous overnight. He was the subject of all gossip.

Along with James, the Larson Group in Horington was also famous because of him.

Everyone knew that the Larson Group was going bankrupt. If not, he won’t sacrifice himself to fulfill that plutocrat’s quirk.

The stockholders sparked a sell-off and withdrew their shares. Some minority stockholders on the Board of Directors also sold their stocks. The intense sell-off caused the stock price to slump and hit its limit within an hour.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The smashing sound from the Chairman’s office was loud and clear and could be heard by the people outside the office.

James came out of his office with a sullen face. All the workers lowered their heads, trying to reduce their presence.

After he left, everyone started to gossip.

“I didn’t expect Mr. Larson to be so desperate.”

“I heard someone say that Mr. Larson is a homosexual.”

“Have you seen the video?”

“Of course, I did.”

They exchanged a meaningful look.

“Imagine a serious man like Mr. Larson giving himself to that fat guy…” The employee said with a disgusted face.

“You’re not alone. I have the same feeling. It keeps coming to my mind whenever I see Mr. Larson. I can’t even look at him.”

One of the workers asked, “Since the company is about to close down, should I start looking for a new job?”

“Right, I should start looking for jobs,” the other one agreed. “So am I.”

They stopped gossiping and started looking for jobs.

The issues and scandals caused the workers to be on tenterhooks.

None of them had the mood to work. They were busy doing their own stuff and finding jobs.

James wanted to delete the video posted online, but it was too late. It is impossible to remove the video completely as people have downloaded it.

Just when James walked out of the private elevator, he met a few directors.

They scorned and despised James.

One of the directors, Bradley Horsecroft, said, “Mr. Larson, there are many ways to get money. Why do you have to choose that way? What are we supposed to do if anything bad happens to you?”

James’ face turned livid with rage.

Fuck! They think I’m a slut!

“I dare you to say that again!” James was so mad that he rushed toward the man.

The other two directors stopped him. “Chill, James. You know his personality.”

Bradley was also pissed. He snapped, “If you’re afraid of people talking about your dirty shits, then don’t do it. Don’t tell me you do have that kind of hobby.”

“Don’t you dare repeat that!” James was livid.

Chapter 324

“What’s the matter? You kinky freak!” Bradley added, “Don’t go near him, or he might have some dirty thoughts of you.” When he said that, the two directors who stopped James quickly let go of his hands and kept a distance from him. James looked at them and laughed. “Great!”

He got in the car and drove away.

“Bradley, remember what we are here for. We need him for our stocks.”

Bradley sighed and said, “Oh yes, I forgot about that. Don’t worry. James won’t let the Larson Group go belly-up. He has more shares than us.”

As they went their separate ways, Bradley wiped the smile off his face and called Jessica. “Ms. Jessica, I agree to sell you my shares. Could we further discuss the price?”

Jessica leaned against the trunk and replied at a snail’s pace. “Mr. Horsecroft, we both know that the Larson Group’s stocks will drop drastically. Do you think the price that you proposed is reasonable? The price that I offer is above the average price.”

The price that she offers is not even half of the market price. I would have asked her to get lost if I wasn’t eager to offload the shares.

“The price is too low. Perhaps a higher price?”

Jessica sneered, “Trust me, Mr. Horsecroft, just one more week, no, within five days, the stock price will continue to plummet. By that time, your shares won’t be worth a penny.”

Bradley asked, “Then why do you want to acquire the Larson family’s stocks?”

If I’m not mistaken, this girl has been the Larson Group’s daughter for almost a year. Although everyone knows that’s a misunderstanding, I still don’t understand why she wants to purchase their shares.

“Mr. Horsecroft, I didn’t want to hold out on you. The Larson family and I have a feud. It’s simple. I want the Larson family to be destroyed. Of course, if you don’t want to sell your shares, I won’t force you. Destroying the Larson Group is the same as acquiring it,” Jessica replied.

Bradley felt her determination and realized why the Young family and the Ferguson family didn’t lend a helping hand to the Larson family.

I don’t believe that a young girl like her would have that huge amount of money. She must have gotten it from the Young family and the Ferguson family.offered.”

“All right, my attorney will sign the contract with you tonight.”

She ended the conversation and picked up the call from another director.

Her phone did not stop ringing till late at night.

Jessica checked her book, and one by one, she crossed out the directors’ names.

It has procured 28 percent of shares from the directors and 3 percent from Robert. Now I have 31 percent of shares in total. The Larson Group also has 31 percent shares, and they have the power to make decisions. It’s still not enough. I need to keep buying the odd lots.

Chapter 325

Jessica had spent most of her money on purchasing the stocks of Larson Group in just a few days. Yet, the stock price was still dropping significantly.

This is too monstrous! I’ve already spent millions in the stock market and now I’m almost broke. It’s my fault for underestimating the Larson family.

Staring at the monitor displaying the timely updated status of the stock market, she noticed a stock whose price was slowly increasing.

Jessica immediately started collecting information regarding that stock. She finally found out that the Berton Group in Moranta was acquiring the South Chanaea Group. The news was released as gossip by an insignificant website that nobody would pay much attention to.

Regardless, Jessica had been analyzing that stock for the whole night.

When the first ray of sunlight shone on her desk, she let out a sigh of relief and stretched lazily.

Her intuition told her that the stock would be a rising star. However, she was not confident about it, as she had not lived through her previous life to verify the news.

She had searched her memories from her previous life, but she could not recall any information about the stock.

That stock was so important to her because she had previously invested 15 million dollars in it.

Jessica took out her phone and checked the screen. It was showing the time of 6:30 a.m.

After the opening of the stock market, the stock of South Chanaea Group rose drastically compared to the day before.

Two stocks had garnered everyone’s attention.

One was the stock of Larson Group, showing a sharp decline in its values. Meanwhile, another one was the stock of South Chanaea Group, showing no sign of stopping its stealthy increase.

Jessica’s 15 million dollars had paid off.

It has quadrupled from its original value and is expected to increase further.

Despite her sweet recovery from the loss, things did not go smoothly for the Larson family.

Due to the reporters crowding outside the house, James could only stay at home, as he was embarrassed to head out.

“Mr. Larson, Mr. Horsecroft and the others have sold the stocks on their hands.”

“Who’s the buyer?” James asked.

“I’ve looked into it. So far, it is still unknown,” Tyrone answered.

Based on the current situation, the buyer is trying to steal Mr. Larson’s ownership of the Larson Group. No, he’s aiming at Mr. Larson himself.

“Keep investigating it. I must know the identity of the buyer.”

We can’t stay still anymore. I must find out who is the person behind all of this.

“Yes!”

After instructing his secretary, his phone rang. He signaled for Tyrone to leave and headed to the balcony to answer the call.

“Mr. Finley, what brings you to call me yourself today?” James greeted.

“Mr. Larson, you know why. My superior was going to check on the loan. I found out that you haven’t paid for the interest. I’m calling you to remind you about it,” Cole said. James’ face darkened while maintaining a peaceful tone.” Don’t you worry? I’ll send you the payment in two days.”

“Mr. Larson, we’re old acquaintances, so I don’t want to keep secrets from you. The higher-ups are watchful about this loan. They might inspect the loan without me. You have to think in my shoes.”

Against Cole’s threatening pressure, James pleaded, “Mr. Finley, please give me two more days. I’ll send the money immediately after dealing with my matters.”

Chapter 326

Cole persisted, “Mr. Larson, please don’t give me a hard time. Your matters can be dealt with afterward, but mine can’t. Since I’m not an unreasonable man, I’ll let you send me the money before tomorrow evening.”

James understood that Cole was forcing him to take his money out upon hearing that.

“All right.”

He tossed his phone hard onto the floor after he hung up.

He has gone too far!

James tried calling his friends, but none of them were

willing to lend him their help.

Julianna entered the study and noticed his foul mood. She then said cautiously, “Honey, it’s lunchtime.”

He turned around and glared daggers at her.

“Julianna, call your brother and ask how much money he has on his hands now. I need to borrow some money. It won’t be much, just 5 million dollars.”

Julianna reluctantly nodded her head, as she dared not to refuse his order after looking at his expression.

I

“Okay, Honey. Should I get the servant to bring your meal here?”

James waved his hand in irritation.

She then left the study, saying nothing further.

Half an hour later, James came to the living room. He walked toward the dining room upon hearing the noise from there.

When he saw three people enjoying their lunch in the dining room, his face darkened.

He walked toward them in anger.

When Julianna and the others saw him, they held back their laugh.

“Honey, you’re here. Mrs. Wallace, prepare another serving.”

James looked at her. “Have you asked?”

She replied awkwardly with her face stiffened, “No. I was going to ask after lunch.”

She still has the appetite to eat at this time.

He swept the cutleries in front of her to the ground. The shattering sound echoed in the dining room. Everyone present was petrified.

“Honey…”

Slap!

Julianna was slapped by James in the face before she could finish her words.

She covered her face with an aggrieved look.

“Can’t you see that I don’t have the time to wait for you to finish eating? If Larson Group goes down, you have nothing to eat or spend.”

The rage and embarrassment that he had suppressed for a long time finally exploded in front of her, as he could not vent his emotions to the outsiders.

Clatter!

The plates of food on the table were swept to the ground by him.

Scared, Whitney hid behind Zachary subconsciously.

Seeing the fear in her eyes, Zachary refuted, “Dad, what are you doing? Do you want us to starve?”

James was furious upon hearing his son’s reasoning.

What a damn son!

The infuriated James could only point his finger at his son.

“Call your brother right now!”

Julianna did not dare to delay any longer. She then immediately dialed Joseph’s number. However, all of her five calls were not answered.

Everyone then knew the meaning behind Joseph’s action.

“Honey, don’t worry. Perhaps Joseph is probably busy at the moment. I’ll continue calling him.”

Her calls were not answered even till midnight.

“Your family is so selfish. Who was the one who helped the Quail family when they were crumbling? I just want to ask for help, yet they don’t even answer our calls. You and your family are ungrateful for everything I’ve given to you!”

Chapter 327

“Honey, I’ll go and find Joseph tomorrow.”

James remained quiet, giving Julianna permission to do so.

“Tyrone, how much money do we have in the company’s account?” James asked over the phone.

“Mr. Larson, I’ve asked the staff to tabulate overnight. There are only 750 thousand dollars left.”

“What? Only 750 thousand dollars left?!” James was in disbelief.

“Yes. There’re only 750 thousand dollars left. We managed to collect that amount after merging the accounts of all the companies under Larson Group. When we were doing the bookkeeping, we found out that a huge sum of money had been transferred by your brother to a foreign bank account.” “That bastard!” James gritted his teeth in fury.

He was unaware that it was just the beginning of his nightmare.

The next morning, the police came to James and asked, ” Are you Mr. James Larson?”

“Yes, I am. How may I help you?”

“We’ve received a report. You’re suspected of tax evasion. Please come with us and cooperate in our investigation.”

The reporters, who had been waiting since the day before, took photos of him being arrested by the police.

Larson Group was once again in chaos.

The bank requested the company’s bookkeeping record. The shareholders came and demanded an explanation.

Larson Group was plagued with greedy and selfish shareholders.

It would be hard for James to be released, as it was true that he had committed those crimes.

Hence, Zachary, the only son of the Larson family, had to join the shareholders’ meeting.

On the way to Larson Group, Julianna reminded, “Zachary, those sly foxes will try to seize your father’s power for sure. Don’t let them have any chance. Larson Group is your father’s painstaking effort. You can’t let anyone take it away from him.”

Zachary said with a sullen expression, “Don’t worry. I won’t let those monsters succeed. Nobody shall lay their hands on the Larson Group!”

She patted her son on the shoulder. “Zachary, I believe in you.”

Despite saying so, she was still worried about his performance at the meeting later.

“Mr. Fischer will aid you in the meeting. You can ask him if you have any questions,” she reminded.

“Okay,” Zachary answered nonchalantly.

Whitney said promptly, “Zac, you must listen to Mr. Fischer. He’s the most experienced person in dealing with those shareholders.”

Zachary chuckled. “All right. Got it.”

When the three of them entered Larson Group, they were greeted by the employees.

However, after they were out of the employees’ sight, the group started whispering.

“I’ve heard that the agenda of the shareholders’ meeting this time is to kick the Larson family out of their position.”

“Does that mean that there will be someone taking over the Larson Group?”

“Of course.'”

“Mr. Larson used to be a good boss. However, the directors have been unsatisfied with his performance for the past two years. It’ll be tough for him to protect his position.”

“The Larson family will never let it go that way. The conference room will be a bloody mess.”

Matching what was described by the employees, the atmosphere in the conference room was tense.

Zachary was reprimanded by the directors. Seeing that he was on the brink of losing his temper, Tyrone reminded him in his ears, “Calm down, Mr. Larson Junior. Don’t get angry.”

As Zachary was not refuting their mockeries, the directors went further.

“Mr. Larson Junior, we’re not doubting Mr. Larson’s

leadership. But can’t you see the troubles he has created in these few days?”

“He should retire at his age. After all, doing such a thing will be exhausting.”

The people in the conference room burst into laughter after the director finished his words.

Chapter 328

Bang!

Zachary smashed his fist on the table and glared at the crowd. “Are you done talking? All of you were taking benefits from the Larson family. You turned against us right after my father was in trouble. Even if my father is useless, you all are shameless and wicked! You guys were the ones begging like dogs throughout the years. Have you forgotten about the advantages and dividends that all of you have received? You can’t wait to take over Larson Group when the Larson family is in trouble.”

The directors’ expressions changed instantly.

“Mr. Larson Junior, you’re such a brilliant talker. If your capabilities were only half as good, you wouldn’t spend such a fortune to purchase that small land, bringing your family down,” an old director mocked.

When Zachary was about to retort to that statement, Tyrone stopped him.

“Directors, Mr. Larson is still cooperating in the investigation. If you have any complaints, please wait till he is released.”

“Mr. Fischer, when will it be? Larson Group will meet its doom before he gets out. The shareholders’ meeting today is to select a capable and responsible candidate to preside. That person will turn the tide of the Larson Group.”

“That’s right.”

“We can’t have him preside over Larson Group anymore.”

“Larson Group will always be the victim if Mr. Larson doesn’t resign. This will greatly affect the reputation of the company.”

The old directors spoke again. “I propose dismissing James Larson as the Chairman.”

“I agree.”

“I agree with it.”

“Me too.”

“I support the notion.”

The shareholders who either sided with James or took a neutral stand remained silent.

Zachary became anxious as they were going to dispose of the Larson family. “What right do you have? The Larson family owns 35 percent of the shares. We have the absolute authority to manage the company. You can only chase us out in your dreams!”

At that moment, the door of the conference room was pushed open.

Everyone turned around and was shocked to see a group of bodyguards in black swarming the conference room.

The bodyguards’ actions were swift; they were exuding a murderous aura.

The shareholders were startled upon seeing that.

The men in black queued up at both sides as if they were waiting for someone respectfully. The atmosphere in the conference room tensed up when they heard clacking footsteps.

An icy cold voice rang out outside the room before the crowd inside the room could see its owner.

“Absolute authority? I highly doubt that!”

A slim figure in a red well-fitted dress appeared in front of the crowd.

She was elegant yet domineering.

Jessica took off her sunglasses and glanced over at the director. She then looked at Zachary, who was sitting at the head of the table.

Zachary and the Larson family were dumbstruck when they saw her.

Zachary was the first who came back to his senses. “We’re having the meeting for the shareholders of Larson Group. An irrelevant person like you shouldn’t come here. Get lost right now!”

Jessica laughed and raised her hand. Jensen, who was standing next to her, handed her a file.

She then hurled the file to the center of the table.

Jensen said, “This document is the share certificate in the name of Larson Group. It proves that my client is qualified and has the right to attend the Larson Group shareholders’ meeting. You have no right to chase her out.”

He spoke his last sentence directly at Zachary.

Chapter 329

Almost every shareholder present was surprised by the situation, as no one had caught wind of the news, especially Zachary himself.

The man was embarrassed and fuming with anger. “Shares? How could you have owned any shares?”

Every shareholder who held the shares is present today. Where else could she have gotten the shares?

Bradley, who had been keeping quiet the whole time, suddenly said, “How embarrassing. I forgot to mention that I already sold off my shares to Ms. Jessica.”

Another shareholder also added, “What a coincidence, I sold off my shares to Ms. Jessica too.”

“Looks like everyone did the same.”

Eventually, more and more shareholders spoke up, and it turned out that more than half of them sold their shares to Jessica.

Only those who were supportive of the Larson family or intended to remain neutral were kept in the dark.

Jessica sat calmly on a chair that her bodyguard brought over. She proudly scanned across the room before landing her gaze at Zachary.

“You intend to have complete control of the company, but I wonder how many shares the Larson family actually owns?”

Tyrone was out of words the moment he saw Jessica step in. He had not known that she was the mysterious person behind all of those share acquisitions.

The color drained from Zachary’s face as he came to a realization.

The Larson family only had 35 percent of the overall share. With more than half of the shareholders selling their shares to Jessica, it was obvious that she was the major shareholder.

Zachary remained silent.

Tyrone muttered, “Ms. Jessica since you’re the major shareholder and coupled with Mr. Larson’s shares, we should just end this meeting here.”

Interrupting his wishful thinking, Jessica replied, “Oh please, Mr. Fischer. I have nothing to do with the Larson family. And speaking of kinship, you should ask Mrs. Larson. She would know best.”

Although not much was said, everyone could tell that they were not on good terms.

Otherwise, why would the Larson family be unaware that Jessica was buying up shares and becoming the major shareholder?

Tyrone looked toward Julianna, who was hesitant at first but finally spoke up. “Jess, you know how well I have been treating you in the past year, right? Why are you turning against us now? James had also been truly kind to you. Have you forgotten about that?”

Jessica silently chuckled as she listened to her speech.

“Mr. Larson was indeed kind to me. Do you remember the time when he brought both his daughters to the cruise party organized by Mr. Wagner? That is a deed I shall always remember. Oh, and speaking of Mr. Wagner, he transferred his shares to me as well.”

Mr. Wagner, cruise party…

Everyone on the spot understood what she meant.

Jessica’s first statement was to expose the heartlessness of James Larson and to let everyone know that in order to achieve his goals, he was willing to sacrifice everything, including his daughters.

The second statement was to show that Robert had suffered a significant loss after their previous encounter. She was also hinting to the other directors that a bigger force was supporting her.

Robert had been successful in his businesses and dealings all the while, as he had someone powerful backing him.

His downfall suggested that there was an even bigger force at play behind Jessica.

However, no one in the room was smart enough to understand the implications.

Feeling the stares from the rest of the directors, Whitney couldn’t help but feel ashamed and anguished.

Chapter 330

Zachary wasn’t aware of the situation regarding Robert or the cruise party, but he could read through the directors’ faces as well as Whitney’s expression.

He wanted to ask what was going on but stopped himself as it was an inappropriate time.

Julianna yelled, “Shut up, Jessica! What nonsense are you blabbering about? If you don’t wish to help the Larson family, so be it. But such despicable means are uncalled for.” Jessica had no intention of getting into an argument. Instead, she took out her phone and made a call using the quick dial. Within seconds, the call was answered.

Robert’s flattering voice could be heard on the other end.” Ms. Jessica, what can I do for you today?”

As he was once a director of the Larson Group, Robert was no stranger to the rest.

Being a supercilious person in nature, watching him belittle himself in front of Jessica had inadvertently made the directors wary of her.

“Did Mr. Larson bring his daughters to the cruise banquet the other day?”

Realizing something was amiss, Julianna rushed over and attempted to snatch the phone away.

Before she could get close, two bodyguards shielded Jessica, not letting Julianna an inch closer.

Robert caught on and cheekily continued, “My God! Mr. Larson had not aged a day, both he and his daughter performed well.”

“Thank you, Mr. Wagner. Have a nice day.”

“You’re welcome, Ms. Jessica.”

The color drained from both Whitney and Julianna’s faces

by the time Jessica hung up the call.

Caught in disbelief, Zachary could only look at them in disgust.

Whitney leaned forward and tried to grab his hand, but Zachary shook her off.

“Zac, it’s not what you think. I’ll explain everything at home.”

“I don’t want to hear it.”

Zachary got up and left.

Right then, he could not bear to stay any longer.

“Hold up.”

Ignoring her call, he continued forward but was immediately held up by the two bodyguards.

“Let me through.”

The bodyguards stared blankly at him.

Zachary turned around and yelled at Jessica, “Ask your men to let me through!”

Jessica smirked and looked at him. “Relax. You may leave after this shareholders’ meeting has ended. Since you are in such a hurry, why don’t we speed it up?”

She stood up, bent forward, and slammed the table. Then she looked at all the shareholders and declared, “Everyone, Mr. Larson had consecutively caused substantial loss to the Larson Group. Plus, he even made the stock price plummet out of his own wrongdoing. So I call for a vote to remove him from his role.”

“We, the Larson family, own up to 35 percent of shares, you know,” Zachary muttered.

Jessica replied in annoyance and condescendence, “Oops, my bad. I forgot to mention that I have 38 percent of shares, which is just slightly more than yours.”

Exceeding by 10 percent or more was perhaps not so frustrating.

But by a mere 3 percent, just that much was exasperating.

Zachary was infuriated, of course.

Ignoring him, Jessica continued, “Anyone who agrees to my proposal, a show of hands, please.”

Shareholders who intended to remain neutral raised their hands; those who were supportive of the Larson family were deep in thought.

Out of the blue, Xenon, who was closest to the Larson family, raised his hand.

His gesture influenced the rest of the shareholders to raise their hands.

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Chapter 311

“You’ve destroyed me. You shall pay for my physical and mental damages!” Harry roared.

James replied with a slap across the man’s face.

Harry was not one to take it down, and the two men started fighting on the bed. In the end, both parties had cuts and wounds on their faces.

When Harry confronted Robert, he learned that it was Charles’ doing. He was scared shitless and dared not say a word.

“I will refund everything you paid yesterday.” Robert scoffed and continued, “You should be glad that it wasn’t Ms. Jessica in your bed last night. Or you’d be fed to the sharks by now.”

Cold sweat trickled down Harry’s forehead. He was so relieved that he did not mess with Jessica.

Meanwhile, Whitney and James returned to the Larson residence in silence.

Julianna saw them at the door and smiled. “You’re back. Honey, what happened to your face?”

“None of your business.” James went upstairs without looking back.

Whitney followed suit.

Did something happen at the banquet? Why are the two of them being so weird? Julianna frowned.

Where is Jessica? Why isn’t she home yet?

Julianna was worried and went upstairs to knock on Whitney’s door.

No one answered. Julianna’s worries deepened as she entered the room.

She heard the sounds of running water mixed with a girl’s cries coming from the bathroom.

Julianna walked up and asked with concern, “Whitney, are you okay?”

“Get lost!” Whitney screamed. It was obvious that she was crying and sounded miserable.

Julianna was anxious, and she urged, “Whitney, what happened? Please tell me.”

Whitney ignored her as her tears flowed endlessly. She scrubbed her body so harshly that her skin turned red. Yet, she did not stop. It was as though she wanted to peel a layer of skin off.

Julianna opened the door and was frightened at that sight. The bruises on Whitney’s body were evident for Julianna to guess what happened.

“What happened? Who did this?” she asked, fuming.

Whitney sneered, “Save your crocodile tears. Isn’t this what you wanted? You sold me for money. I’m not even your daughter: Why does it matter to you!”

Julianna grimaced as she hugged Whitney. “This is all Mom’s fault. I’ve failed to protect you.”

“Mom?” Whitney scoffed, “You’re not my mom.”

Julianna could not take it anymore and lash out, “You’re wrong. I carried you for 10 months and delivered you. I’m your biological mother. Why would I do that to my child?” Whitney was stunned. “What are you talking about? If I’m your daughter, then what about Jessica? Whose daughter is she?”

Julianna did not explain. Instead, she said, “You don’t have to know about that. All you should know is that I’m your biological mother. We have the closest ties in this household. As for the rest, they don’t matter at all.”

Whitney was dumbfounded. She started laughing and shrieked, “You’re lying! You just want to make use of me to earn money for the Larson family.”

“No, it’s not like that. I will never do that to you. I’m going to confront that bastard now.” Julianna let go of Whitney and walked out.

Chapter 312

Whitney watched as Julianna left the room. Deep in her heart, she believed the revelation. But it was hard for her to accept it instantly.

Julianna barged into the room as James came out of the shower.

When she saw the scratches on his body, she felt her blood boil.

He was enjoying himself when he pushed her daughter into hell. She hated him so much.

“James, why did you do that? Are you trying to ruin Whitney? She still has her entire life ahead of her!” Julianna growled. James glared at her. “The Larson family has been taking care of her for so many years. Now that we are in trouble, it’s time for her to return the favor. What’s the problem with that?”

“Although she’s not your biological daughter, she’s called you dad for so many years. How could you do that?” she grunted.

“I’ve been paying for this bastard for so many years, I’m just asking for a little interest now. Is that too much to ask? If it wasn’t for me, do you think she would be able to have a good life like this? She would just be a beggar on the streets,” James sneered.

Julianna’s face darkened as she stuttered, “Y-you knew about it? When did you find out?”

She had kept this secret for so long, how could he have known?

“You think you hid it very well? Julianna, please don’t take everyone like an idiot.” James knew about the matter long ago. However, he chose not to do anything about it as he still needed the support of the Quail family.

When she kept silent about his promiscuous lifestyle, he thought that she could still retain her position as Mrs. Larson.

“You also knew about Jessica?” Julianna asked.

“What do you think?” he retorted.

If the child that she bore was not his, this biological daughter’s plan must be a fiasco.

However, he did not know Julianna’s intentions for declaring a random girl as her biological daughter. He thought there must be something that she was after. But since Jessica was pretty and able to pull ties with the Young family and the Ferguson family, he treated her as his biological daughter.

Why does it matter if he was the one receiving the advantage? He could benefit from Jessica’s connections. Julianna sat on the floor feeling defeated. She pointed at James and said, “You’re not afraid that Jessica’s family will come after you, after knowing how you treat her?”

James replied, “You’re not even afraid. Why should I be?” He wanted her to tell him more about Jessica’s identity. Julianna laughed hysterically. “You have no idea, don’t you? I can’t believe I thought that you knew all about that little bitch, but it looks like you don’t.”

James thought that his reply was foolproof. How did she know that he was not sure?

As they stood facing each other, a maid’s voice traveled from outside the room.

“Ms. Jessica, why are you standing at the door?”

James and Julianna looked at each other and dashed out of the room to find Jessica standing outside. She smiled and said gleefully, “Hello, my dearest father. My dearest mother. Good morning.”

Both of them shuddered and felt an icy shiver running down their spine.

Did she hear everything that we said?

James thought about what happened last night and said, ” Jess, last night you…”

“My dearest father, did you have a lovely night? You don’t have to thank me.”

Chapter 313

Thanks? James’ face turned green.

Jessica smiled and headed back to her room. She returned with an old tote bag, which she brought to the Larson family. The bag contained a glass bottle.

They knew that she must have heard everything when she appeared with the bag.

“Jess.” Julianna wanted to persuade Jessica to stay, but there was an unknown fear within her.

Willow and the rest also sensed that something was wrong. They wondered what had happened at the banquet, as their attitudes had changed after returning.

“Ms. Jessica, what are you doing?” Willow asked.

Jessica looked at her and replied jovially, “Take care, Mrs. Wallace!”

The maids looked at each other as they were puzzled by her reply.

James remained quiet.

Jessica looked at Julianna and said, “Mrs. Larson, I will always welcome you. You may contact me once you are prepared to explain yourself.”

Then she turned to James. “Mr. Larson, thank you for your generosity for these six months. I will be sure to send you a gift soon. I hope you’ll like it.” She paused and continued, Although I’m not your biological daughter, you’ve taught me a lot. I was given the opportunity to try out many things that I would have never been able to do before. Though I haven’t been your daughter for a long time, I will always remember this part of my life.”

Jessica’s words seemed perfectly normal on the surface, but they sounded really odd to James and Julianna.

Meanwhile, Willow and the rest gawked in disbelief.

Whitney covered her mouth in shock, standing at the stairs of the second floor.

Jessica was not the biological child of the Larson family. Her brother was the illegitimate child of James; she was the illegitimate child of Julianna. It was too much for her to digest in a day.

Zachary was back from running, and his jaw dropped when he heard the news that Jessica was not his biological sister.

I knew it! How can my sister be so annoying?

He dashed in smugly. It was finally time to chase Jessica away and peace could be returned to the Larson family.

Zachary saw her bag and said, “Since you’re not a member of the Larson family, you can’t take anything that belongs to us. I will have to check your bag.”

Jessica did not protest. She opened up the bag and took out the glass bottle. Then she overturned the bag and emptied the contents.

“What’s this? This definitely doesn’t look like yours,” Zachary said while holding a fox mask.

Jessica sneered and snatched the mask from him. “Nor does it belong to the Larson family. Since when have you gifted me something so expensive?”

Whitney felt that the mask looked really familiar, but she could not recall where she saw it.

Zachary got snubbed and lifted the glass bottle. “What’s this?”

Jessica replied cheerfully, “Tails from mice.”

Zachary was frightened and dropped the bottle. Jessica caught it in the nick of time and glared at him.

Zachary shivered.

“Are you done? I’m leaving.”

He waved his hand in disgust. “Get out of the Larson residence.”

Jessica smiled and looked at everyone for one last time before leaving.

Every step she took felt heavier. The hate and killer instinct in her heart increased.

James was cunning as ever. He knew everything and plotted against everyone.

She turned back for the last time and looked at the glorious mansion behind her.

Julianna, James. It’s payback time!

Chapter 314

Zander was in the conference room at Brickton Corporation, lecturing his researchers.

“This is not what I wanted. Why didn’t you ask me if you didn’t understand? What’s the point of having a mouth? To look pretty?” Zander lashed out.

The entire research team kept silent. This was the first time they saw the man so livid.

Just then, the receptionist opened the door. She hesitated to speak when she felt the tense mood in the room.

“What is it?” Zander snapped.

The receptionist stuttered, “B… -Boss, there’s a girl named Jessica looking for you.”

“I’m busy,” Zander answered without thinking. Suddenly he looked up and asked, “Wait, who was it again?”

“A girl.”

Zander dropped his files and walked out straight away.

The researchers looked at each other, dying to know what was happening.

Zander ran to the front desk and beamed when he saw Jessica.

“Boss.”

She waved at him.

Jessica’s eyes were darting around as they walked back into the office. The decoration was simple and everyone was busy working at their desk.

This was the first time that Jessica visited her company and met her employees. There was probably no other boss out there like her.

Zander followed her. “Where’s your office?” Jessica asked.

Zander pointed at the first room and replied, “That’s my office.”

Jessica took a look at the sign. Manager

Zander gestured at the last room and said, “That’s your office. I’ve been keeping it for you. Would you like to take a look?”

Jessica shook her head. “It’s fine. I’m just here to visit. Let’s go to your office.”

“Okay.”

They entered Zander’s office, and Jessica sat on the couch.

His assistant brought a cup of coffee and placed it in front of Jessica while sneaking a look at her.

After the assistant left, Zander placed a thick pile of files in front of Jessica.

“Before you came, I was still thinking about how I should report the company’s results to you. Now that you’re here, please have a look. This is our operations for this quarter. As for the small project you mentioned, the revenue is coming in now. With the new revenue, we can cover the costs of operation.”

Jessica had been squeezing out money to fund Zander’s experiment with the new technology. However, it was unsustainable in the long term. Hence, she suggested that they should come up with a side project, such as the bike-share program in Horington City. The cost required for the project would be significantly lower and they could reap the benefits faster.

After a three-month trial, the profits sufficed to fund the daily operations. There was no need for Jessica to pump in money to sustain the company.

Jessica flipped through the financial report and asked, “

Just enough to cover the costs?”

Zander nodded excitedly. “Yes. I no longer have to ask you for money.”

Jessica felt the need to spoil his proud moment. The purpose of her visit today was to transfer some money from the company. She had burnt a hole in her pocket from the 15 million dollars she invested.

Chapter 315

This company was considered a money-eating beast. All her profits from the stock market went into the company.

As Zander was explaining excitedly, he realized that something was wrong with Jessica’s lack of reaction.

“Boss, is there something wrong?” he asked.

“Nope,” Jessica answered.

“You’re the boss of this company. If there are any problems, feel free to raise them up with me. You don’t have to be wary of my emotions. I can handle it.” Zander could be dense at times, but he was not dumb.

Jessica felt his sincere attitude and said, “The rollout for the bike-share program is too slow and the profits are not coming in fast enough. With Horington City as the focus, dominate the market at a faster speed.”

“Wouldn’t it be too risky?” Zander asked.

“The cost to run the bike-share program is very low. It is also very easy for others to mimic our business operations. Hence, we must dominate the market before anyone reacts and earn the first bucket of gold,” Jessica explained.

Zander understood and nodded. “You’re still the best, Boss. I’ve dragged the team down.”

“You can do it,” Jessica encouraged.

“Boss, you’re not here for this, right?” Zander added.

Since he already asked, Jessica saw no need to hide.

“I’m here to transfer some funds,” she replied.

“How much do you need? I will get Finance to transfer you,” Zander answered without thinking.

“30 million dollars.”

Zander spat out his tea and widened his eyes.

“Why do you need so much money?” Zander exclaimed.

Jessica could not tell him that she wanted to buy out the stocks of the Larson Group. According to the stock prices now, she needed at least 90 million dollars to buy them out.

There was no way she would be foolish enough to spend so much money. Her plan was to buy 15 million dollars worth of stocks. Hence, she had to prepare 30 million dollars in cash, just in case there was a change in plan.

“I have my reasons. I’m planning to contact Fairview Investment and ask for financing. How much do you think they’d give us?” Jessica asked.

The stocks of Brickton Corporation were in the hands of Jessica and Zander. She wanted to use her shares for the financing without touching Zander’s shares.

“Fairview Investment has contacted us twice. I think they will be able to offer us a good price. I would say about 15 million dollars and above,” Zander said.

Brickton Corporation was still a rookie in the eyes of many large enterprises. 15 million dollars was considered a large amount.

“I need you to contact Fairview Investment and get 30 million dollars. Minimally, we should get no less than 25 million dollars. It will be great if they are agreeable. As for the amount of the shares to give, you decide. Just take it from my shares, keep yours untouched,” she instructed. Zander was unsure why she needed so much money urgently, but he guessed that it was probably for an important matter.

“Okay. I will contact them right away.” Zander got on the phone.

Jessica rested on the couch after she was done.

At Fairview Investment, Jake received a call from a manager and knocked on Hugh’s office.

“Mr. Hugh, Brickton Corporation called.”

Hugh turned around and looked at Jake. “They agreed?”

Considering how stubborn they were, their sudden agreement shocked him a little.

Jess is probably lacking money now!

Chapter 316

“Inform the staff to follow the procedures,” Hugh instructed. “Okay,” Jake replied.

Just as Jake was about to step out, Hugh added after

thinking, “Don’t complicate the procedures.”

Jake was surprised. Is Boss trying to pull strings for Jessica?

“Okay,” he answered,

Zander received the confirmation from Fairview Investment almost instantly. As both parties were keen to make it work, everything proceeded smoothly.

After the weekend ended, Jessica was shuttling to and from school by bus.

Some students dressed in St. Daniel College’s uniform stared at her on the bus.

“Is that Jessica?” a girl asked softly.

“Yes.”

“Why is she taking the bus?”

“Maybe to experience the life of a commoner?” the other girl mocked.

“Hush, lower your volume. She’s going to hear us.”

Jessica walked calmly into school, ignoring their stares.

Yves stopped her at the gate. Jessica looked at him and asked, “Yes?”

Yves opened his mouth but said nothing. Finally, he said, ” Why haven’t you brought me food recently?”

If Whitney stopped sending, so would Jessica.

“I didn’t make the food. I was just passing it as a favor for someone,” she replied.

She had explained herself earlier, but Yves never took it to heart. In his mind, Jessica was just too shy to admit.

Yves’ heart raced as he stared at her beautiful face. He didn’t know when he started to have feelings for her. When she

was close to the Ferguson and the Young family, rumors spread that she would marry Charles. Hence, he did not dare to take any action.

It seemed that the rumors were fake as Charles did not help the Larson family, who was in trouble now.

“You don’t have to be shy. I’ve always finished the food that you sent me. I understand your true feelings,” Yves said lovingly.

Jessica looked at the man in front of her. Is he crazy? What a narcissist!

“Whitney was the one who made the food, not me. You should thank her if you feel grateful,” Jessica replied.

Yves did not believe her. “Jess, I’m not interested in Whitney at all. You’re the one that I truly like. Will you be my girlfriend?”

His sudden confession was a shock to everyone.

Whitney had just arrived at school and was devastated when she overheard his confession.

Didn’t he say that he hated Jessica? He said that he would never like someone like her. Why is he confessing to her in front of everyone?

Yves’ friends were cheering on the sides.

“Say yes!”

“Say yes!”

“Get together! Get together!”

Yves took out a rose and stared at Jessica lovingly. “Jess, I will treat you right. I’ll make you the happiest person on earth.”

Jessica looked at the rose and the man standing in front of her. He once vowed that he would never like an ugly freak like her and even tore the marriage agreement in front of everyone to humiliate her.

Yet, now that she did nothing, he suddenly fell for her. Jessica took the rose from his hands.

Chapter 317

The crowd clapped and cheered when they saw Jessica accept the flower.

Yves’ face was all red from the excitement.

He knew Jessica would accept him since they were both in love with each other.

“Jess, I…” Yves suddenly paused when he was just about to say something.

Jessica gently let go of the rose in her hand, and it fell onto the floor.

The next second, a pair of white shoes violently stamped on the rose.

Watching the rose being crushed by Jessica, Yves was heartbroken. It was as if his heart was crushed into pieces by her, just like what she did to the rose.

The cheerful atmosphere froze instantly. Everyone stared at Jessica in disbelief.

The atmosphere turned awkward, and the crowd subconsciously gave Yves a silent gaze. Some felt pity toward him, while others felt like it was a joke.

Jessica then said coldly, “Get lost!”

Yves was angry and embarrassed that she rejected his confession and even snubbed him in public.

He had never been humiliated like this before.

Yves tried to grab Jessica’s hand when she was about to leave but failed.

“Jessica, stop right there. If you don’t like me, why would you prepare food for me every day? Are you playing tricks on me?”

She looked at him and said, “Are you deaf or absent-minded? I told you before that all those were from Whitney.” “I don’t believe it.”

Jessica ignored him and left.

Whitney was standing in the crowd as well. She clenched her fist when she heard what Jessica said.

Jessica had never eaten the food that she prepared. It was Yves who had been eating it all along.

It had never occurred to Whitney that Jessica had passed on the food that she had prepared to Yves.

Whitney was scared. She quickly left before the crowd noticed her.

“I heard that Yves confessed to you,” Samantha asked in curiosity.

“That’s right.”

As Samantha was about to humiliate Yves, Jessica interrupted, “Now you can post the video that I asked you to prepare on the school forum.”

She had been waiting for this day for a long time.

“All right. I’ll do it this instant.”

Samantha acted swiftly.

Within five minutes, a full video clip was uploaded onto the school forum of St. Daniel College.

Jessica, Yves, and Whitney were in the video.

From the video, everyone could clearly see that Whitney handed the meal box to Jessica, who then gave the meal box that she received to Yves.

All the time, venue, date, and design of the meal box were displayed clearly in the video.

At that moment, everyone started to believe Jessica’s words. Some of them didn’t understand why Whitney was doing this. Some concluded that it was Whitney who wanted to create a misunderstanding that Jessica was pursuing Yves.

That way, Whitney could blame Jessica for snatching Yves away from her.

Everyone felt sympathy toward Yves as he was being used by Whitney. They couldn’t believe that the latter had such a scheming and cunning personality.

That afternoon, Yves grabbed Whitney and took her to the corner of the campus.

“Why do you have to do this?” he demanded.

Whitney was on the verge of tears. She replied, “Yves, you have to believe me. That was never my intention. It was Jessica who did it on purpose.”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t know she prepared the food for me every day.”

“I… I…” Whitney was speechless.

She knew it, but she didn’t care.

She wanted to act like a victim when Jessica was pursuing Yves. She wanted to let everyone know how shameless Jessica was so that they would pity her and side with her.

That was why she was not bothered by Edith’s provocation and seemed to be happy about it.

She had the confidence that everything was going according to her plan.

Chapter 318

However, never in a million years would she have thought that Jessica would give the meal box that she had prepared to Yves.

She thought that Jessica had either eaten the food or thrown it away.

How can anyone like this even exist in this world?

“How dare you use me!” Yves grabbed her neck tightly. “You are despicable! Are you happy now after watching me being humiliated?”

“No… That’s not true.” Whitney shook her head. “Yves, I have always liked you. I couldn’t possibly bring myself to do this to you.”

“You like me?” Yves sneered. “Who are you to like me, you bastard!”

The word ‘bastard’ had struck Whitney in the heart.

Ever since the appearance of Jessica, she had always heard people talking badly about her.

Even though she pretended not to hear it, she was aware of it.

Whitney couldn’t hold herself back anymore. She had forgotten what James told her and lost her temper.

“I’m not a bastard. Jessica is the bastard.”

“What are you talking about?” Yves looked at her in shock. Whitney continued, “Jessica is not the biological daughter of the Larson family, I am the one. There was a mistake in the paternity test. She’s the bastard herself. No one wanted to raise that bastard that you like so much.”

Yves was stunned.

Since Whitney is so desperate, what she said must be the truth.

They thought that the conversation was between both of them, but that was not the case.

In the afternoon, the whole campus went crazy about the news.

“Did you guys hear about the news? Jessica is not the lady of the Larson family. Whitney is the one.”

“How is that possible? Don’t talk nonsense.”

“I’m not talking nonsense. I heard it from Whitney herself.” “Whitney was always jealous and even attempted to frame Jessica. Did she do this on purpose?” One of the students asked in curiosity, as Whitney always had schemes in her mind.

“There’s no way she would do that. She will be easily exposed,” someone refuted.

Since the matter could be easily exposed if it was a lie, most of the students believed that it was the truth.

Since then, the students who knew the gossip would glance at Jessica from time to time.

“Now that she is not the biological daughter of the Larson family, let’s see how arrogant she is after this,” Josephine said gloatingly.

“Does that mean we can have our revenge?” Lauren asked softly.

Bam! A pair of shoes dropped onto Lauren’s table.

As Lauren and Josephine lifted their head, they saw Samantha staring at them insidiously with a lollipop in her mouth.

“Revenge? What revenge?” Samantha looked at them calmly.

Looks like they have forgotten the lesson that Jessica taught them before this.

Josephine smiled forcefully and responded, “We didn’t say anything about revenge. You must be mistaken.”

Samantha nodded and said, “I see.”

As Lauren heaved a sigh of relief, Samantha suddenly kicked her desk over.

Clink! Clank! The classroom came into silence. Samantha pointed at the students in the classroom and warned, “I’m telling all of you, Jessica is my sister. If any of you dares to bully her or talk behind her back, don’t expect me to let you off easily.”

Chapter 319

Josephine, Lauren, and the others were too scared to continue criticizing Jessica.

They realized that even though Jessica was not the daughter of the Larson family, she still had a best friend like Samantha by her side.

“I heard that someone here bullied my best friend. Who was it?” Daisy walked into the room and asked. She looked around and finally rested her eyes on Lauren, Josephine, and several others.

“Was it you guys?” Daisy questioned with a smile on her face.

They shook their heads in unison.

Daisy said to everyone, “If anyone is planning to cause mischief behind my back, just say it to my face now. I will assess if you’re qualified.”

There was pin-drop silence in the lecture hall.

Jessica’s heart was filled with warmth as she witnessed her friends rooting for her. She stood there with a lump in her throat, fighting back her tears.

Edith and his friends, who had specially come to the lecture hall to gloat at Jessica’s misfortune, were left disappointed.

“I thought a wallflower like Daisy would switch sides quickly. I didn’t expect her to still side with Jessica. I wonder what’s going through her head,” Edith asked in a puzzled tone.

“She may be trying to save her own face.”

“No, I think she’s doing it for Samantha.”

No matter the reason, it seemed like their plan to watch Jessica being humiliated was ruined.

After school, Samantha and Daisy guarded Jessica like a hawk.

Jessica looked at the two by her side and at the surrounding people. As much as she was touched, she also found it hilarious. “This is really unnecessary. I’m not a weak and fragile flower bud.”

“That’s out of the question. It’s not like you don’t know the kind of people they are. They are well-versed in the sycophantic ways of flattering power. Without the Larson family’s protection, you’ll never know when these people will make a move behind your back,” said Samantha solemnly.

“Sam’s right. We have to let everyone know that even if you don’t have the Larson family’s protection, we’ve got your back. We’ll deal with whoever dares to bully you,” said Daisy angrily.

Jessica relented and allowed the two of them to escort her. “Jess, come home with me. There’s always a room for you at Horington Island.”

Samantha tugged at her sleeves and refused to let go. The chauffeur stood by the car and waited quietly.

“I have a place to stay.”

Although Samantha treats me well, I shouldn’t take advantage of her.

“You can stay over at my place too!”

Jessica politely rejected her kind offer. She compromised and allowed Samantha to accompany her to the neighborhood where she now lived.

“Is this where you are staying?”

Samantha’s eyes widened as she looked at the run-down neighborhood.

Jessica did not care what others thought about the

neighborhood. “That’s right. It’s cheap here, and it’s close to the school too.”

“No way. It’s too dangerous here. There isn’t even a security guard in sight.”

Jessica smiled. “The place where I used to live was even more complicated and dodgy. But here I am, still alive. This is more than what I could’ve asked for.”

“I have money. We can stay somewhere else.” Samantha ‘took a card out of her purse. “Here, use this.”

Jessica politely rejected. “I am not short of cash!”

Samantha looked at her in disbelief.

“There’s no need to worry.”

Jessica let out a sigh of relief after sending Samantha off.

After a simple dinner, Jessica began to do her homework. Suddenly, her phone rang.

“Jess, I’ve spoken to them. Fairview Investment is willing to offer 45 million dollars, and this is only the amount for the first investment. If there is a good working partnership, there might even be a second investment,” Zander said happily.

He did better than I expected. In fact, I’m sure he was also surprised that the other party could offer such a large amount.

Chapter 320

Jessica was just as surprised as Zander at this outcome. “45 million dollars?”

“Yeah, 45 million dollars. Boss, make a guess on how many shares the other party wants,” asked Zander excitedly.

“How many?”

“They only wanted 20% of the shares.”

This figure surprised Jessica again.

“I initially wanted to get an expert to assist in the negotiation. But since the other party was so sincere, I was too embarrassed to even bring it up.”

Having heard these silly words, Jessica smiled.

“As soon we receive the money, I’ll transfer it to your account.”

“Just transfer 30 million dollars to me, and allocate the rest of the money for the company’s operation. I’ve also just sent a document to your email. There are a number of good projects listed on it, so have a look. If it’s possible, we can try to work on some of them.”

It is difficult to launch a successful business today compared to the 1980s and 1990s.

However, as part of the future generation, Jessica was certain that there would still be legends emerging.

Many small-scale industries will eventually become an important sector in the future. They might even expand internationally and make a great impact on society.

Zander was persuaded by Jessica’s words.

After working together for more than half a year, he realized that Jessica had really good foresight and vision. Every time they came across an obstacle, her words would instill confidence to help them pull through.

“Okay, no problem.”

Knock, knock

Jessica hung up the phone and walked out of her bedroom to open the door.

“Are you Jessica?” asked the delivery man.

“Yes, I am.”

The delivery man smiled and said, “These are your

customized furniture and home appliances.”

Having said that, he stepped aside and revealed the giant household appliances.

Jessica looked at the items in astonishment.

“There must be a mistake. I didn’t buy these.”

The delivery man glanced at the house number plate and said, “I doubt so. The address and the name of the house owner are correct. There’s no way I made a mistake.”

“I really didn’t buy it. Sir, there is no way.”

“Oh trust me, there’s no mistake. Miss, please make way. We have to move them into the house so they don’t block the stairs.”

The delivery man yelled at the rest of the workers. Together, they moved all the appliances into the house which was no larger than 540 square feet. The house was quickly filled up. After moving, the delivery man quietly slipped away.

Jessica looked at all the household appliances and silently took out her mobile phone to ring Samantha.

“Sam, did you buy those household appliances?”

Apart from her, Jessica could not think of anyone else who would do such a senseless thing.

At the other end, Samantha was taken aback. “What appliances?”

“It wasn’t you? Then who could it be?” Jessica was a little confused.

As soon as Jessica said that, Samantha furiously declared, “I know who it is! It must’ve been Uncle Charles! He’s so sneaky. I’m going to go deal with him.”

Jessica looked at her blacked-out phone screen in confusion.

Meanwhile, Samantha hurriedly rushed into the study and growled, “Uncle Charles, you are so mean. You sent gifts to Jessica although you told me not to. You have outshone me. That’s very sneaky of you.”

Charles glanced at his innocent niece and spat out two words. “Get out!”

Samantha noticed that he was at an international video conference and retreated silently.

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Chapter 291

Joseph fell silent. Although he was confident in her ability, he did not trust her.

After a while, he replied, “Let me think about it.” With that, he hung up the phone.

At Horington’s Harbor District, all workers of Land No.1 were working hard. More than seven excavators operated as the supervisor stood on the side and watched them.

Their surroundings were sparse, and they were the only ones working on the land.

Sipping a cup of coffee, the excavator operator wiped his sweat before getting back to work. However, he realized the excavator’s bucket was jammed with something in the soil.

The shovel did not budge even when he pressed the button again.

Thus, he yelled at the other workers, “Hey! I think something is stuck down there.”

When the workers gathered around, the supervisor pointed to some of them. “The few of you should go down to see what is stuck inside. I wonder if we had dug up a huge rock.”

The few workers immediately jumped into the pit. Using the shovels, they slowly started to dig.

Someone asked above the pit, “What is that?”

“It looks like some sort of rock. An enormous one.”

The two workers struggled to spade the mud apart. Initially, they thought it would only take a bit of time to dig it out. However, they had been endlessly digging for some time.

“What kind of rock is that? Why is it so big?”

“It looks like a bluestone to me.”

“That rock looks like one of high quality. It’s so big.”

“It’s hard for the excavator to dig if the rock isn’t moved.”

The workers standing above the pit discussed.

When the supervisor saw their progress, he ordered a few more workers into the pit. After five workers headed down, it took them a few minutes of digging to see the rock clearly.

The workers in the pit shouted, “There’s something inscribed on the rock!”

When the workers above them heard that, they felt bemused and gathered around to see the commotion.

The supervisor asked the excavator operator to dig up the surrounding soil. Not long after, something peeked out of it.

“It’s a headstone.” Someone gasped.

Stunned, the workers clustered together to see the situation inside the pit.

“I think there must be a lot of other headstones buried inside it…”

“It must be quite old!”

The workers exchanged glances before turning to look at their supervisor. “What should we do now?”

The supervisor was relatively experienced and had dug up all sorts of stuff before. However, it was the first time he had dug up headstones.

Taking out his phone, the supervisor made a phone call.

Twenty minutes later, that news was found out by James.

“What did you say?”

Tyrone repeated, “A headstone was dug up in Harbor District. The entire site can be a cemetery.”

James felt his world spinning around him. The entire project would be halted if the news got out. Stopping a day of work would mean losing a huge amount of money. I heard that it takes at least one to two years to finish extracting the entire cemetery. The Larson family can’t afford to wait for so long!

“Mr. Larson.” Tyrone frowned worriedly.

“Inform the others to watch over the site. Nobody can know about this.” James gritted his teeth.

Tyrone was hesitant. “Mr. Larson, we’re going to be in big trouble if someone finds out.”

Chapter 292

“Prepare some hush money for the workers and get rid of the headstones tonight. Be quick, okay? This matter should be kept secret.”

Naturally, Tyrone understood that the Larson Group would be put in a difficult situation if the news were to be leaked out.

“Understood.”

Meanwhile, Jessica’s phone buzzed in the lecture hall. She put it back down after looking at the message.

Things are starting to get exciting! I’m not surprised James chose to cover up the issue. However, he forgot that things could not be kept secret forever.

Jessica was not in a hurry to expose his secret.

As Jessica was slowly carrying out her plan, Julianna, on the other hand, was in a mess.

“Joseph, I spent a fortune to find someone willing to help. Yonah will be sentenced to death next year, but it is possible to change it to life imprisonment if we wait for a year. After that, his sentence can be gradually reduced. He will be out of prison soon after.”

“How long do we need to wait?” Joseph was not satisfied with her answer.

“I was told that it would take at least four to five years.”

“Four to five years?! Do you mean Joseph needs to remain in prison for another five years? Oh right, you must be unconcerned because he’s not your son.” Joseph was annoyed that Yonah had to wait for that long to be freed.

During the previous prison visit, Joseph noticed Yonah had bruises all over his body. He begged him to get him out of there. How could Joseph not be distressed seeing that?

Julianna suppressed her anger. “It’s already the shortest time possible.”

Doesn’t he know what crime Yonah committed? It’s so rare that I could find someone to get him out of prison in four to five years.

“The shortest time possible?” Joseph laughed coldly. “Someone told me she could get Yonah out of prison in a month. I think you’re not trying to help at all. You’re just playing for time.”

“That’s impossible. Who told you that? They’re lying to you.” Julianna had a bad feeling.

“You don’t need to know about that.” With that, he hung up the call.

Next, Joseph called Jessica.

She was in class when she received the call. When she saw it was from Joseph, she stood up and said, “Mr. Daniel, I’d like to go to the bathroom.”

Daniel waved his hands. “Go on.”

Jessica walked to an empty corridor and answered the call. “Mr. Joseph, have you made your choice?”

“Can you guarantee that Yonah will be out of jail in a month?” Joseph asked worriedly.

“Of course,” Jessica sneered.

There’s no way I’m going to do that. I’m just saying this to deceive him.

However, Jessica needed to play along.

“I don’t believe you.”

Jessica explained unhurriedly, “It’s actually quite simple. We only need to buy the stocks from the victims so that they will drop the court case. Meanwhile, you need to hire an excellent lawyer to appeal the court’s decision. With that, he’d be free.”

Joseph was stunned for a moment. Then he smiled and said, “Well, do you have the money?”

If I had 15 million dollars, Yonah would have never gone to jail in the first place. At the end of the day, money is the biggest problem.

“Of course, I must have it since I promised you. If you are still worried, you can ask Yonah if I have the money.”

Joseph was convinced by her proposal and decided to give it a try.

She must be quite well-off to be willing to spend 15 million dollars on the secret!

“Okay. After you buy their stocks, I’ll reveal the secret and your birth story.”

Chapter 293

“All right.” Jessica hung up the phone.

After getting all the victims’ information, Jessica asked them to meet her at Victory Restaurant.

That day, Jessica booked the entire Victory Restaurant The victims started to file in, confused, after being notified.

“You got the notice too?”

“Yes. Did all of you get notified?

“I think all of us did.”

“Do you think the person on the phone really meant it?”

“I don’t know.”

“A lot of people didn’t show up.”

“I didn’t plan to come at first, but I wanted to try my luck. If it’s true, I could get back my money.

Many of them who came had the same hope.

The group of victims chatted amongst themselves. However, the person on the phone did not show up for some time.

“Did we get fooled? Why isn’t the person showing up?”

“I had a feeling it was too good to be true.”

Just when the group was planning to leave, the restaurant’s door was pushed open. Remaining indifferent to their stares, Jessica walked toward them.

“Sit down, everyone. I’m the person who called you. The reason I called all of you here is to buy your stocks.” Jessica cut to the chase.

“Do you really want to buy our stocks?”

“Yes.” Jessica nodded.

Some of the people were alarmed when they heard that.

Why would she want to buy our useless stocks?

“What’s your purpose in doing that?”

Jessica pulled out a document. “If you can sign your name on this document, I’ll buy the stocks off your hands.”

Everyone understood her intention after reading through it.

“You want to save Yonah.”

Jessica nodded. “Back then, I’m sure it must have been a mutual agreement for Yonah to invest in you since you gave him your money. Whether he intended to scam you, I’m sure you have an answer. Now, I will return your money in exchange for you agreeing to release him out of jail. It’s a pretty fair deal.”

Some people agreed with her words. After all, nothing would benefit them if Yonah was jailed. It was money that mattered the most.

However, there were still some greedy ones.

“I disagree. I’m fine if you want to buy it, but you need to pay 10% more than the original amount. If not, I refuse to sign it,” a middle-aged man argued.

Adding on 10 percent meant Jessica would need to pay 1.5 million dollars more on top of the 15 million dollars. If that happened, more and more people would follow his idea and raise their prices. By then, 15 million dollars worth of useless stocks would be sold for an exorbitant price!

The crowd could not help but clap their hands at his brilliant idea.

Jessica did not get angry and scanned through their faces. “Is everyone making the same decision as him?”

Nobody answered her and the atmosphere turned awkward.

The man who spoke up smiled. “Our money had been held up for such a long time, so it’s normal for us to ask for a bit of interest, right? You should be sincerer if you want us to sign this. How could you expect us to sell it at the original price?”

Jessica stood up. “If that’s the case, you can keep your stocks.”

I can’t believe they’re asking for more. Take it or leave it!

Jessica turned to leave.

The investors were stunned. They did not expect her to leave.

Doing business was all about bargaining, anyway. How could she leave just like that?

Chapter 294

“Don’t you want to set Yonah free?” the man that caused trouble asked anxiously.

His original intention was only to get more money. He did not really want to keep those worthless stocks.

Jessica stopped to look at him. “I’m fine with anything. I’m prepared to spend 15 million dollars on releasing him from jail. However, I’m unwilling to spend one dollar more than that. You can sell it to me at the original price, or you can keep it. Who knows, perhaps one day it might go up in value. If any of you change your mind, you can give me a call. By the way, I’d like to remind you that I only need 70 percent of you to set Yonah free. As for the remaining 30 percent of stocks, I won’t buy them. To those who are unwilling to sell it, you can keep it as a souvenir.” After saying that, Jessica left without turning back.

Jessica was brimming with confidence. She was not worried if she could not get 70 percent of the stocks at all. After all, the investors would get anxious hearing she would not buy the remaining 30 percent.

Meanwhile, the investors were divided on that issue.

“Don’t fall for her trap, everyone. She’s saying it on purpose,” the middle-aged man from before said.

The others nodded in agreement. However, they

immediately pulled out their phones to call Jessica right after leaving. When some of them saw her line being busy, they started panicking.

In just an afternoon, Jessica had successfully bought up 60 percent of stocks. Some who did not show up also contacted her after knowing about it.

Jessica had gotten everyone’s agreement that night.

A total of 15 million dollars were exchanged for the agreement papers.

The next day, Jessica called Joseph.

“I have gotten all the settlement agreements. Let’s schedule a time to meet.”

Joseph was stunned. He could not believe she managed to settle it in a day.

“Really?”

“You’ll know once you see it in person.”

“I’m currently not in town. Let’s meet at Victory Restaurant tomorrow at three o’clock in the afternoon.”

“Okay.”

Just when Joseph hung up the phone, he immediately received Julianna’s call.

“Joseph, I have settled everything for you. Let’s meet with an officer tomorrow. I spent another 750 thousand dollars just to set Yonah free, you know.”

Joseph laughed coldly. “I don’t need it. There’s someone who could help me save Yonah. You can give me the money instead.”

“Who?” questioned Julianna.

It was the second time he brought up this person. Is there really someone who could release Yonah from jail so quickly? No way!

“You don’t need to know about that.”

“Joseph, don’t be fooled. There’s no way it could be done so easily.” After all, it took Julianna a tremendous amount of effort to find a way. How could the person handle it so effortlessly?

“Hmph! You’ll know after a month if she is a scammer. Anyway, I don’t have the time to chat with you. Yonah is no longer your responsibility. You can just transfer the money to me, or you’ll suffer the consequences.” After that, Joseph hung up the phone.

Julianna was livid.

She just wanted him to know she had spent quite an amount for Yonah’s sake, but she didn’t spend as much as she wanted him to believe.

Chapter 295

Joseph previously asked for 300,000 dollars, and Julianna paid him that amount with her savings.

This time, he asked for another 750,000 dollars again. She no longer had any money to pay him.

Although she was the wife of the Larson Group’s Chairman, she had little cash, as she had spent most of it on clothes and jewelry.

Since Joseph became greedier, Julianna felt that she should silence him as soon as possible. Or else she wouldn’t have a peaceful life, as he would always be threatening her.

This evil man should be killed!

Julianna took out her phone and made a call. George Evans answered it soon thereafter.

“Honey, do you miss me? Where are you now?” George said gently. Although he found her annoying, he treated her nicely for the sake of money.

Julianna said in a serious tone, “Joseph found out about our relationship and threatened me. What should I do now? Should we break up?”

George immediately pushed the sexy girl in his arms away. His expression turned stern. “Don’t worry. I’m here for you. I will ask someone to teach him a lesson.”

Damn it! How dare he end my source of income!

Julianna had been George’s sugar mommy for the past few years.

He had been receiving a monthly allowance from her and living a luxurious lifestyle.

“You shouldn’t do that. He will get agitated if you do so. I will get into trouble if he tells my husband about our relationship. I believe the best way is to end our

relationship. We should stop contacting each other from now on. Even if we meet in the future, we should treat each other like strangers,” Julianna whimpered.

George quickly consoled her, “Honey, are you really going to leave me? We have been dating for years. How can you end our relationship so easily? You have been part of my life. I can’t bear to leave you. Don’t worry, I will settle Joseph! Since he is so nosy, I will make him shut up forever.”

He spoke in a stern voice.

Julianna replied in a panic tone, “What do you intend to do? Please don’t do something stupid! He is my brother, and I won’t allow you to go overboard! Do you understand?”

George said smilingly, “Honey, what are you thinking? I won’t do anything illegal. I will merely ask someone to warn him. Don’t worry, okay?”

Although he said that, he had the idea of killing Joseph on his mind.

Julianna smiled happily after hanging up the phone. There was no sign of her caring or worrying about Joseph.

Joseph, you should blame yourself for this!

Jessica got out of the car and entered Victory Restaurant. She picked a window seat and waited for Joseph.

Her phone vibrated, and she received a message from him: I’m here. Have you arrived?

Jessica put her phone down after reading the text. She then looked through the window and saw Joseph getting out of a taxi on the opposite street. When he was crossing the road, a truck seemed to have lost control and drove toward him.

Upon seeing that, Jessica stood up and waved her hand at Joseph.

However, he couldn’t understand what she meant and continued crossing the road.

He only realized when the truck was close to him. He was terrified, and his mind went blank. At that moment, he froze on the spot while staring at the truck in horror.

Crash!

Joseph was struck and landed three meters away. His. body was covered in blood.

Chapter 296

All the pedestrians stopped walking and looked at the middle of the road.

Jessica rushed out of the restaurant and ran toward Joseph.

“I called the ambulance, so just hang on!”

Joseph stared at her as if he wanted to tell her something. However, the moment he opened his mouth, he started vomiting blood.

“What are you trying to say? Is it about Yonah?”

Joseph blinked his eyes in response.

“The settlement agreement is real.”

Right after she finished that sentence, she noticed that Joseph started losing consciousness.

“You can’t die now! Your son is waiting for you! If you die now, I’m going to destroy the settlement agreement,” Jessica threatened him.

Joseph immediately widened his eyes. He then pointed to the sky with his trembling finger.

“What do you want to tell me?”

Joseph could only make some unclear sounds as his throat was filled with blood.

His hand suddenly dropped to the ground, and he stared at the sky.

“I think he’s dying.”

“He landed on his head. I don’t think he’d be able to survive since he is bleeding heavily. Look at him! Do you think he is dead?”

“Don’t say that! Maybe he’s just unconscious!”

“That truck driver smells like alcohol! Drunk driving is such a terrible offense!”

“I agree with you!”

“Is that girl his daughter? She might suffer from long-term emotional trauma after watching her father die in front of her.”

The crowd was chattering away when Jessica checked on Joseph’s pulse. His heartbeat had stopped.

The ambulance and police arrived about 15 minutes later.

The police arrested the truck driver, and a few nurses tried to get Joseph into the ambulance.

One of the nurses looked at Jessica and said, “Are you his family? Come with us.”

“I’m not.”

She turned around after saying that.

When the nurse tried to call her back, she had already disappeared from the crowd.

Meanwhile, at the Larson residence, Julianna received a text from George. She immediately deleted the message after reading it.

Whitney walked toward Julianna and said smilingly, “Mom, you have any good news? You seem happy today.”

“I feel happy as you are graduating soon! Have you decided which university you want to go to?”

“I will decide when I find out whether Yves will be going overseas for further study or not.”

Just then, Jessica and James walked toward them.

When Whitney saw Jessica, she asked smilingly, “Jess, do you plan to go overseas for further study or apply to local universities?”

She wanted Jessica to decide first so she had a chance to split Jessica and Yves apart.

“I will attend a local university,” Jessica replied. She then turned to Julianna and said, “When I was on my way home, I saw a man struck by a truck. He looked like Joseph.”

Whitney was shocked upon hearing that.

James showed no reaction at all.

Julianna said smilingly, “Joseph is fine. I believe you recognized the wrong person.”

Jessica’s heart sank upon seeing Julianna’s cheerful expression.

It’s her! She asked someone to kill Joseph! How could she be so cruel?! How can she kill her own brother! The secret must be earth-shattering since she is doing everything she can to hide it. I will definitely find out about her secret!

Jessica glanced at Whitney and Julianna. She wondered what kind of secret could cause Julianna to lose her position as Mrs. Larson.

Chapter 297

If I’m not the daughter of the Larson family, is Whitney their daughter? Or if both of us are not their daughter, where is the real daughter of the Larson family? Is there a possibility that the Larson family does not have a daughter? If they don’t have a daughter…

Jessica had various speculations in her mind.

When Jessica was thinking about that, James said smilingly, “Both of you will be attending local universities. Jess, can you get into any colleges in Dellmoor?”

“I will try my best.”

James had confidence in her even though she didn’t sound hopeful.

Julianna said, “Dellmoor is too far. I think there are a few good colleges in Marsingfill. Why should we send her to Dellmoor? I haven’t spent enough time with Jessica.”

James glanced at Julianna. &ltShe is becoming dumber. Although she wasn’t smart in the first place, she wasn’t this stupid!&gt

“Go to Dellmoor!”

Even if Jessica couldn’t get into any colleges in Dellmoor, James would find a way to get her a place.

The Young and Ferguson family were in Dellmoor. The Larson Group would benefit if Jessica joined the social circle in Dellmoor.

Jessica replied Julianna gleefully, “I think Dellmoor is a nice city.”

Ding!

James’ phone rang. He picked it up and said, “What’s the matter?”

“Mr. Larson, something happened! Someone leaked out the information. The reporters, archaeologists, and police are here at the construction site.”

James dropped his phone to the ground upon hearing that.

The three of them in the living room turned to him immediately.

“What’s wrong, Honey?” Julianna asked.

James picked up his phone and wanted to leave.

However, Willow led two police officers to the living room and said, “Mr. Larson, the police are looking for you.”

Julianna’s heart skipped a beat. Did George ruin the plan and expose me?

James remained calm when he greeted the police. “Please have a seat. Willow, please get us some tea.”

The two police officers raised their hands to stop Willow.

“No need. Mr. Larson, we have received reports that you are involved in destroying relics and excavating a headstone. Please come with us for an investigation.”

James seemed confused. “Headstone? What kind of headstone? Did you make a mistake? I’m a businessman, not a robber. Why would I do that? You shouldn’t believe those people!”

One of the officers took his phone out and showed him some photos.

“Mr. Larson, I think you should be familiar with this place, right? This is Land No. 1 in Harbor District, which you are developing. Someone is excavating a headstone. If you want to explain, please do it when you arrive at the police station.”

The police walked toward him and took out a handcuff.

“Mr. Larson, if you cooperate with us, I don’t think we’ll need to use this. However, if you choose to resist, I have to use them.”

James left the Larson residence together with the police.

The Larson family watched him as they drove off.

Julianna was at a loss. “What happened? Quickly call Tyrone! Ask him to look for a lawyer now!”

On the same day after the police arrested Mr. Larson, the news regarding the Larson Group excavating headstones and relics was spread all over the internet.

Some reporters even stated that James knew that there was an underground headstone at that site, and that was why he spent 55 million dollars to purchase that land.

That land is worth more than 55 million dollars!

News of the incident was plastered all over the internet.

It didn’t matter whether the news was real or fake – it was obvious that the Larson Group would face a lawsuit. They also had to pay a sizeable amount of compensation.

Chapter 298

Meanwhile, at Fairview Investment headquarters in Marsingfill, Hugh handed Jake some approved documents.

“Who prepared these two proposals? Ask them to redo it! Fire them if they submit the same thing again in the future!” Hugh showed Jake two documents while saying that.

“Noted,” Jake replied.

“Mr. Hugh, the Larson Group is in trouble.”

Hugh turned away from his laptop and looked at Jake.

Jake knew Hugh was still paying attention to the Larson Group.

Since the Larson Group is in trouble, Mr. Hugh will be able to gain Jessica’s trust if he saves the company now.

“There is a huge headstone under the land in Harbor District from the Roman Empire, which the Larson Group bought. We are not sure the reason why the Larson Group didn’t inform the local authority upon discovering it. Mr. Larson has been arrested, and the land is currently guarded by the police.”

Previously, people could tell that the Larson Group didn’t have strong financial standing. After that incident happened, coupled with their project being put on hold, the Larson Group was on a downward spiral.

Hugh tapped on his desk while recalling what Jessica told him previously.

Did she find out that there was an underground headstone? Impossible! The Larson Group might have found out about the underground headstone long ago and has been excavating it. This seems interesting!

Jake said, “Mr. Hugh, I think it is going to be easy for us to approach Ms. Jessica now.”

Hugh shook his head. “She isn’t as simple as you think.”

Many people were wondering whether the Larson Group could settle the matter or not, and a lot of them were also guessing whether the Young and the Ferguson family would assist the Larson family.

“Jess, do you want to inform Uncle Charles and let him help you?” Samantha called Jessica.

“No, please don’t do that! It’s the Larson Group’s fault, so they should bear the consequences.” Jessica rejected her proposal.

“If that is the case, your family business…”

“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” Jessica paused for a second before she added, “By the way, do you know where your uncle is?”

Samantha said smilingly, “Why do you suddenly care about Uncle Charles? Are you interested in him?”

Jessica was speechless upon hearing that. “Stop joking! I’m serious!”

“I guess you will be disappointed if you would like to meet him now. He is in Granatano as his company seems to be in trouble. He is working hard to solve it at the moment. I guess he will only come home half a month later.”

Jessica was satisfied to hear that reply.

She was worried that the Larson family would ask her to request help from the Youngs because of her connections.

She didn’t want to do that.

As she expected, the Larson family had tried to look for Charles, but they failed to do so. Hence, they looked for Jessica instead.

In the living room, Tyrone asked desperately, “Ms. Jessica, can you please ask Mr. Young to help us negotiate this matter?”

“When the incident happened, I immediately called him. However…” Jessica paused as she wiped the tear off her face. She then continued, “When nothing happens, he is a caring person. However, when something happens, he… I have never expected him to be like that! I’m so disappointed in him!”

Tyrone stared at Jessica and then turned to Charles, who suddenly appeared behind her.

Jessica sobbed for a while before she noticed Tyrone’s expression had changed. She then turned around and saw a handsome man staring at her with a half-smile.

Damn it!

Jessica immediately stopped crying.

Chapter 299

Samantha, you are such a liar! You told me half an hour ago that your uncle has been busy with work in Granatano and won’t come home anytime soon, so why is he standing in front of me now?!

Jessica stared at Charles with an awkward smile. “Mr. Young, are you here to mock us?”

Charles! Please don’t ruin my act!

Charles walked toward them and sat on the sofa with his legs crossed. He then stared at Jessica.

Julianna gave Jessica a death stare. “Jess, how could you say that? I believe Mr. Young is here to help us. Mr. Young, am I right?”

Charles glanced at Julianna and said, “Yes, I’m here to buy out the Larson Group.”

Jessica felt relieved upon hearing that.

Julianna was stunned for a moment. “What do you mean?”

“Seems like you have poor comprehension skills, Mrs. Larson.” Charles chuckled.

Zachary felt angry upon hearing that. “Our family hasn’t gone bankrupt, but you have already started planning to buy out our business?! Who do you think you are?”

Charles gave him a cold-eye stare and ignored him.

He couldn’t be bothered to talk to that idiot.

“The Larson Group will be wound up and restructured within half a year. If you are smart, you should sell the Larson Group to me now. It will be worth nothing when it is wound up,” Charles said coldly.

The Larson family members’ expressions darkened upon hearing that, especially Julianna.

Zachary stood up and pointed at the door. “Get out now! Get out of our house!”

Jessica stood up and pulled Charles’ suit roughly. Two of his collar buttons fell off.

Upon seeing that, she stared at Charles and shouted, “Get up! Get out of my house now!”

Charles stood up and pretended to be dragged by her to the door.

When they arrived at the door, Jessica turned around to check whether there was anyone behind them. Upon seeing that there was no one behind them, she let him off.

“I’m very sorry, Charles. I will compensate you for your shirt,” Jessica apologized awkwardly.

“Okay,” Charles replied.

Jessica was stunned for a moment as she couldn’t believe what she heard.

Shouldn’t he say that I don’t have to compensate him?

Charles saw Jessica’s expression change. He then poked her forehead and added, “Jess, don’t forget about my shirt, okay?”

Jessica nodded while thinking about transferring him money after he left.

“Are you sure you don’t need my help?” Charles asked.

Right after he arrived in town, he heard about the news regarding the Larson Group. He was initially worried that Jessica would be afraid. However, he came and found out that she had been calling him a scumbag.

“No need, Jessica replied in a serious tone.

Charles could tell that she meant what she said. He stared at her bright eyes and replied, “All right.”

Jess is getting more interesting nowadays! I can’t see through her!

“You should leave now! You shouldn’t help the Larson family no matter what happens.

If it is possible, you should cause more trouble for the Larson family!

Even though Jessica didn’t mention the last sentence,

Charles could tell that was what she was thinking.

Chapter 300

Jessica watched Charles as he left the Larson residence.

Meanwhile, in the Rolls-Royce, Ash said, “Mr. Young, they are asking what to do next.”

“Tell them to act according to the law.” He paused for a while before adding, “Excavating and destroying cultural relics without permission are offenses that should be severely punished.”

Ash was stunned for a moment. He couldn’t understand why Charles had changed his mind all of a sudden.

Charles was worried about the Larson family earlier. However, after visiting them, he changed his mind and wanted to ruin them instead.

Although Ash was shocked, he followed Charles’ instructions and quickly sent out the message to the person in charge of that matter.

Everyone in the Larson family was in a grim mood.

Upon seeing Jessica, Zachary mocked her, “And who was boasting about how capable they were, and they had so many connections? How come she has no connections now?”

Jessica stared at him and said smilingly, “If an idiot didn’t bid on that piece of land for 55 million dollars, this wouldn’t have happened. The Larson family has raised you for over twenty years, and this is how you repay them?!”

Tyrone wanted to stop them from arguing but failed to do so.

He then turned to Julianna and said, “Mrs. Larson, I need to meet Mr. Larson now.”

“All right, thank you.”

The fight between Jessica and Zachary worsened after Tyrone left the Larson residence.

“Those who don’t share the Larson’s blood are idiots! One is more stupid than the other,” Jessica said while glancing at Zachary and Whitney.

Zachary got mad after being called the adopted son. He then shouted, “Who says I don’t share the Larson’s blood? Listen carefully! Dad is my biological father!”

Julianna was stunned, but she wasn’t surprised to hear that.

However, Whitney and their maids were shocked upon hearing that.

“What did you say?” Jessica seemed to be doubting him.

Zachary lifted his chin and glanced around at everyone. “I’m not an adopted child. Dad is my biological father.”

He wanted to tell everyone about it since long ago. However, James stopped him from doing so.

Since he had the chance to say it, he no longer wanted to hide the secret.

Jessica chuckled. “You are lying, right?”

Zachary sneered, “If you don’t believe me, you can ask Dad.”

“I remember Mom only got pregnant once. How could she have another son?” Jessica said coldly. “Even if you share the Larson’s blood, you are an illegitimate child! You have been lying to Mom!”

James had an illegitimate child four years older than his daughter. That meant he had an extramarital affair long ago and that he had a child with his mistress.

Moreover, that illegitimate child was brought back to the Larson residence and lived together with Julianna.

The fact seemed to hurt Julianna the most, as she was James’ wife.

All the maids looked at Julianna. Some of them pitied her, while others gloated over her situation.

The news about Zachary being James’ illegitimate child was spread among the social circle in less than a day.

“Although the Larson family hasn’t gone bankrupt, their children have started fighting,” one of the company directors teased.

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